Heimler's History: The Spanish-American War

Background Context

• American industrialists and politicians keen on expanding the American empire.
• Target territory: Cuba, a Spanish imperial colony.
• 1895: Cuban nationalists resume struggle against Spain; Spain suppresses the rebellion.
• Yellow journalism emerges under Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst, publishing sensationalist stories about Spanish atrocities in Cuba.
  • Influences American public opinion towards intervening in Cuba.

The U.S.S. Maine Incident

• 1898: U.S. establishes naval presence in Cuba.
• U.S.S. Maine explodes in Havana Harbor, killing over 200 Americans.
• Yellow journalists blame Spain for the explosion without evidence.
  • Actual investigation revealed the explosion was accidental.
• President McKinley issues ultimatum to Spain, leading to the Spanish-American War.

The Spanish-American War

• War begins after Spain's compliance with McKinley's demands.
• America wins the short war, marking its entrance into imperialism.

Effects of the Spanish-American War

Cuba

• Gains independence, though limited by the Platt Amendment.
  • Allows U.S. military intervention if American interests threatened.
  • Impacts Cuban foreign policy and economic independence.

The Philippines

• Annexation from Spain for $20 million.
• Filipinos expect U.S. support for independence, but face new imperial rule.
• Filipino resistance led by Emilio Aguinaldo; war lasts three years, minor conflicts up to ten years.
• U.S. retains control until post-World War II.

Hawaii

• Annexed in 1898, following the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893.

American Empire through Economics: The Open Door Policy

• China's 19th-century economic domination by European powers.
• Secretary of State John Hay's "Open Door Note" seeks open trade in China.
• European powers indifferent; America claims a small victory in maintaining Asian trade rights.

Conclusion

• The Spanish-American War propels America into the global imperial stage.
• Further resources: Heimler’s History Unit 7 playlist for additional learning.