Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War was a key moment in American history. It changed the United States from a regional power to a global player. This change had a big impact on Spanish-American and Latinx communities¹.

This war, though short, had lasting effects. It changed how countries interacted with each other. It also changed America’s role in the world, affecting Hispanic-American relations².

Let’s look at how this “splendid little war” led to American expansion. The U.S. took control of Spanish colonies like the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico². This had a big impact on Latinx communities in the U.S.

Introduction to the Spanish-American War

The war lasted from April 21 to August 13, 1898. It was between Spain and the United States. The U.S. had 300,000 troops¹. The Cuban Liberation Army had 72,339 soldiers¹.

Key Takeaways

• The Spanish-American War marked a key moment in American history, making the U.S. a global player.
• The war had big effects, changing how countries interact and America’s role in the world.
• The U.S. took control of Spanish colonies like the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico as a result².
• The war had a big impact on Spanish-American and Latinx communities, affecting Hispanic-American relations¹.
• The war lasted from April 21 to August 13, 1898, and was fought between Spain and the U.S., with the U.S. having 300,000 troops¹.

Overview of the Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War, fought in 1898, was a key event that changed how countries interacted. It had a big impact on

Background and Causes

The war started in 1895 when Cuba fought for freedom from Spain. American businesses in Cuba, worth about $50 million³, were at risk. The U.S. public was upset by reports of Spanish cruelty, pushing for action⁴.

Key Events Leading to War

Several events raised tensions between the U.S. and Spain. The USS Maine exploded in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898⁴, killing over 260 people³. This event sparked outrage. President McKinley asked Congress for permission to go to war on April 11, 1898, and got it on April 20⁴.

Then, the U.S. blockaded Cuba’s ports⁴. Spain declared war on April 25, 1898⁴. The U.S. Congress declared war the same day³.

Major Players Involved

Important people played big roles in the war. President William McKinley led the U.S. effort. Spanish officials tried to keep their colonies.

Commodore George Dewey won a key battle at Manila Bay⁵. Admiral Pascual Cervera’s fleet was defeated at Santiago harbor⁵. These victories helped decide the war’s outcome.

Understanding these points helps us see how economic interests, public feelings, and military plans shaped the war. This war had a lasting effect on Latino and Spanish descent communities.

Military Engagements and Strategies

The Spanish-American War saw key battles that showed the U.S. military’s skill. These battles greatly affected the Hispanic community and United States Latinos.

The Battle of Manila Bay

On May 1, 1898, Commodore George Dewey led a victory over the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. This win showed the U.S. had a strong naval strategy. It marked the start of American power in the Pacific⁶.

The Invasion of Puerto Rico

U.S. troops landed in Puerto Rico to weaken Spanish control in the Caribbean. The quick takeover showed the U.S. military’s tactics were effective. It also showed the U.S. wanted to grow its influence⁷.

Ground Forces and Naval Strategies

The U.S. used naval blockades and ground invasions to fight Spanish forces. With 59,000 regular army men and 216,000 volunteers, the U.S. showed its military strength⁷. Despite little experience, the troops worked well together. Their planning helped win important battles.

• Naval dominance through blockades and decisive sea battles
• Ground invasions supported by well-coordinated troop movements
• Adaptation of strategies to diverse combat environments

These battles not only gave the U.S. new territory. They also strengthened ties with the Hispanic community. This helped shape the roles of United States Latinos in America.

Outcomes and Consequences of the War

The Treaty of Paris 1898 ended the Spanish-American War on December 10, 1898. Spain gave Guam and Puerto Rico to the U.S. and sold the Philippines for $20 million⁸⁹. This deal not only ended the war but also grew U.S. territory, changing its global role.

Treaty of Paris 1898

The Treaty of Paris made the U.S. a global power. By getting Guam and Puerto Rico, the U.S. went beyond its borders⁸. This move helped the U.S. become a major world player.

Territorial Acquisitions

After the war, the U.S. took over territories like the Philippines, Hawaii, and Guam, and got a base in Cuba⁹. These moves boosted U.S. military power and brought in new cultures. This enriched Hispanic heritage in the U.S.

Impact on U.S. Foreign Policy

The war changed U.S. foreign policy, moving from a focus on the continent to a more imperialistic stance. The U.S. had to deal with complex international relations and integrate Spanish-speaking people into its society⁹. This marked the start of the U.S.’s long-term role in global affairs, shaping policies for years.

Legacy of the Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War had a big impact on American history. It changed how Americans saw themselves and their place in the world.

Historical Significance in American History

The war made the United States a global power. It showed the world that America could project its military force overseas¹⁰. This change affected America’s role globally and its policies at home.

Influence on Future Conflicts

The strategies and results of the Spanish-American War guided America’s military actions later on¹⁰. The lessons from this war helped shape America’s approach to international conflicts and defense in the 20th century¹¹.

Memorialization and Remembrance

The war’s legacy lives on through monuments, books, and stories. These honor the roles of Hispanic-American and Latinx communities¹². They make sure the war’s effects are remembered and studied by future generations¹⁰.

Source Links

1. Spanish–American War – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish–American_War
2. Vermont National Guard > Museum > History > Wars > Spanish-American – https://vt.public.ng.mil/Museum/History/Wars/Spanish-American/
3. Spanish-American War | Summary, History, Dates, Causes, Facts, Battles, & Results | Britannica – https://www.britannica.com/event/Spanish-American-War
4. Milestones in the History of U.S. Foreign Relations – https://history.state.gov/milestones/1866-1898/spanish-american-war
5. Spanish‑American War: Causes, Battles & Timeline | HISTORY – https://www.history.com/topics/early-20th-century-us/spanish-american-war
6. Spanish-American War – https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/wars-conflicts-and-operations/spanish-american-war.html
7. The Spanish-American War: Manifest Destiny Goes Abroad – Army Heritage Center Foundation – https://www.armyheritage.org/soldier-stories-information/the-spanish-american-war-manifest-destiny-goes-abroad/
8. Spanish-American War – Consequences, Treaty, US Expansion | Britannica – https://www.britannica.com/event/Spanish-American-War/Consequences-of-the-war
9. The Global Impact of the Spanish-American War – https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/recent/article-view/article/3491710/the-global-impact-of-the-spanish-american-war/
10. The Long-Lasting Legacy of the Spanish-American War – https://www.persuasion.community/p/the-long-lasting-legacy-of-the-spanish-american-war
11. Research Guides: World of 1898: International Perspectives on the Spanish American War: Introduction – https://guides.loc.gov/world-of-1898
12. The Spanish-American War: The United States Becomes a World Power | Classroom Materials at the Library of Congress | Library of Congress – https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/spanish-american-war-the-united-states-becomes-a-world-power/