Spanish-American War

1. What connections did the U.S. have to Cuba in the late 1800s? List at least two.

In the late 1800s, The U.S.'s connections with Cuba included their attempt to buy it and their assistance in its second revolution. In 1848, President Polk offered to purchase Cuba from Spain, to which they responded "we will see it sink first." Then, in Cuba's second attempt at a revolution, America assisted then later went to war with Spain.

2. What were the Spanish “reconcentration camps”?

The Spanish "reconcentration camps" were places where the Spanish army herded Cuban people to prevent them from supplying the rebels with food or shelter.

3. List three reasons why the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba.
a. Newspapers were using "Yellow Journalism" to report and exaggerate the acts of the Spanish in Cuba, and called for the U.S. to intervene and help the Cubans.

b. The Spanish ambassador insulted President McKinley in the de Lome letter, which was found and published as a huge insult to America.

c. The U.S.S. Maine exploded, and the U.S., now looking for reasons to go to war with Spain, blamed them, and then declared war.


4. Which do you believe was the most important reason? Why?

I believe that the U.S.S. Maine was the most important reason. Even though it was an internal explosion, the country was so convinced that it was Spanish activity that McKinley was preparing for war before the cause was confirmed. They believed that Spain blew it up, which was grounds for war.

5. What did the Teller Amendment say?

The Teller Amendment said that the U.S. had no intentions to take power over Cuba, and did not want to assert "sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control." They also promised to "leave the government and control of the island to its people."

6. Why was a portion of the Spanish-American War fought in the Philippines?

A portion of the Spanish-American war was fought in the Philippines because

7. Dewey’s victory in the _Philippines_ sparked an outpouring of _pride_ in the United States.


8. Why did Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders want to fight in Cuba?

Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders wanted to fight in Cuba because

9. a. Why were many African-Americans eager to serve in the Spanish-American War?

Many African-Americans were eager to serve in the Spanish-American War because many hoped that black participation in the war would boost the image of African-Americans and earn them respect.

b. What forms of discrimination and prejudice did they encounter?

They encountered discrimination that did not allow them to be promoted to officers, and most states did not allow them to volunteer. Those that did allow them to volunteer didn't let them fight in the Caribbean, except for one regiment from Massachusetts.

10. How did racism influence American perceptions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines? Give two examples of events where racism affected U.S. policy after the war.

a. The U.S. viewed the Cubans as inferior, and incapable of governing themselves. Therefore, Congress decided that they should remain in control of Cuba until it was able to form a stable government. So American businesses came and took over the economy of Cuba.

b. Filipinos were often portrayed similar to African-Americans, and therefore looked down upon. So no one took them into consideration when deciding on a final treaty, and 4 of 5 of the U.S.'s negotiators favored taking control, so the U.S. gained control of the Philippines.