Question: “Discuss the causes of the Spanish–American War.” Flashcards
(9 cards)
Thesis
The war was triggered by the USS Maine and emotional media pressure, but long-term causes like economic interests and expansionist ideology made conflict almost inevitable.
Proof 1
USS Maine explosion (1898)
What happened?
The USS Maine, a U.S. battleship, exploded in Havana Harbor in February 1898, killing 260 Americans.
Who was blamed?
Although the cause was unclear, U.S. newspapers blamed Spain, fueling public outrage.
Why did it matter?
It became the immediate trigger for U.S. declaration of war — driven by the slogan:
→ “Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!”
IB concept link:
A short-term cause that ignited war amid deeper imperialist ambitions and public manipulation through media.
Proof 2
Yellow Journalism by Hearst & Pulitzer
What is it?
Yellow journalism was sensationalist, exaggerated news reporting by papers like those of William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer.
What did they do?
They published dramatic, often false stories about Spanish atrocities in Cuba (e.g., reconcentration camps, women being abused), stirring public anger.
Famous (possibly fake) quote:
Hearst reportedly told his artist: “You furnish the pictures, and I’ll furnish the war.”
Why did it matter?
It inflamed U.S. public opinion, pressuring Congress and President McKinley to take action against Spain.
IB concept link:
Shows the power of media in shaping foreign policy and manufacturing public support for war — a cultural and political cause.
Proof 3
U.S. economic interests in Cuban sugar
What was the U.S. economic stake?
By the 1890s, American businesses had invested heavily in Cuba’s sugar industry — worth over $50 million.
What was the threat?
Ongoing Cuban revolts against Spain disrupted production and trade, putting U.S. profits at risk.
Why did it matter?
U.S. elites pushed for intervention to stabilize Cuba, protect assets, and open markets — especially as Spain struggled to maintain control.
IB concept link:
Highlights the role of economic imperialism — war was not just about humanitarian concerns, but protecting U.S. capitalist interests abroad.
Proof 4
De Lôme Letter insults McKinley
What was it?
A private letter written by Spanish Ambassador Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, intercepted and published by U.S. newspapers in 1898.
What did it say?
It criticized U.S. President McKinley as weak and pandering to public opinion.
Why did it matter?
The letter outraged Americans, further damaging U.S.–Spain relations and fueling demands for war.
IB concept link:
A key short-term political cause — the letter intensified nationalist sentiment and public humiliation, reinforcing the narrative that Spain disrespected U.S. sovereignty.
Proof 5
Monroe Doctrine + Manifest Destiny
Monroe Doctrine (1823):
Declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European colonization — Spain’s hold on Cuba violated this principle.
Manifest Destiny (1840s–90s):
Belief that the U.S. was destined to expand its influence, including into Latin America and the Caribbean.
Why did it matter in 1898?
These ideas gave the U.S. ideological justification to intervene in Cuba — not just to help Cubans, but to assert dominance in the region.
IB concept link:
This was a long-term ideological cause of war — U.S. foreign policy was rooted in hegemonic ambitions cloaked as moral duty.
Perspectives 1 and 2
Traditional: War was caused by Spanish aggression
Revisionist: U.S. manufactured war for empire
Eval. of Perspective
Revisionists better explain U.S. ambitions using long-term imperial interests
IB Concept
Causation
