Spanish American War

The Spanish American War

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What happened in the Havana Harbor that made the United States declare war?

The Spanish American War was fought between the United States and Spain in 1898. The war was fought largely over the independence of Cuba. Major battles took place in the Spanish colonies of Cuba and the Philippines. The war began on April 25, 1898 when the United States declared war on Spain. The fighting ended with a U.S. victory three and a half months later on August 12, 1898.

Sinking of the Battleship Maine

When conditions in Cuba worsened in 1898, President William McKinley sent the U.S. battleship Maine to Cuba to help protect American citizens and interests in Cuba. On February 15, 1898, a huge explosion caused the Maine to sink in Havana Harbor. Although no one was sure exactly what caused the explosion, many Americans blamed Spain. They wanted to go to war.

The US Declares War

President McKinley resisted going to war for a few months, but eventually public pressure to act became too great. On April 25, 1898, the United States declared war on Spain and the Spanish American War had begun.

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The Rough Riders

The United States needed to get soldiers to help fight in the war. One group of volunteers included cowboys, ranchers, and outdoorsmen. They earned the nickname the "Rough Riders" and were led by Theodore Roosevelt.

The War Ends

After the Battle of San Juan Hill, the U.S. forces moved on to the city of Santiago. Soldiers on the ground began a siege of the city while the U.S. navy destroyed the Spanish warships off the coast in the Battle of Santiago. Surrounded, the Spanish army in Santiago surrendered on July 17.

Results

With the Spanish forces defeated, the two sides agreed to stop fighting on August 12, 1898. The formal peace treaty, the Treaty of Paris, was signed on December 19, 1898. As part of the treaty, Cuba gained its independence and Spain gave up control of the Philippine Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico to the U.S. for $20 million.

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Why was the USS Maine really sent to Cuba?

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Spanish American War

What happened in the Havana Harbor that made the United States declare war?

Why was the USS Maine really sent to Cuba?

What 3 territories did the Spanish empire still have in the late 19th century? (Se_lect all that apply)

In Cuba there was a growing demand for what?

The United States was the great power in the Western Hemisphere

What happened in the Havana Harbor that made the United States declare war?

When was the Spanish American War?

Spain won the Spanish-American war.

What U.S. ship was sunk in Havana Harbor prior to the war starting?

What was the main cause of the Spanish-American War?

About how long did the war last?

What future president led the Rough Riders into battle?

Why was the USS Maine really sent to Cuba?

When did the USS Maine explode?

How many men were killed in the explosion of the USS Maine?

What territories did the United States gain after the Spanish American War?

Historians believe that the explosion of the USS Maine was an accident