ID: Spanish-American War
When: April 21, 1898 – August 13, 1898
Who:
- United States: President William McKinley, Admiral George Dewey, Commodore Winfield Scott Schley, Theodore Roosevelt (Rough Riders)
- Spain: Spanish military forces in Cuba and the Philippines
What:
A brief war between the United States and Spain, sparked by the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor (though the cause remains debated) and fueled by American public outcry over Spanish atrocities in Cuba and a desire for imperial expansion. Key battles included the Battle of Manila Bay (Philippines) and the Battle of San Juan Hill (Cuba). The war resulted in a decisive US victory.
Impact: Why Significant?:
- Acquisition of Overseas Territories: The US gained control of Cuba (though it remained nominally independent), Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking the beginning of its emergence as a major imperial power. This dramatically shifted US foreign policy and its role in global affairs.
- Rise of American Imperialism: The war cemented a shift in American foreign policy toward imperialism, driven by economic interests, strategic considerations, and a sense of racial and cultural superiority.
- Increased Military Strength: The war demonstrated the growing power of the US military and its capacity for projecting power overseas.
- Theodore Roosevelt’s Rise to Prominence: Roosevelt’s leadership of the Rough Riders during the war catapulted him to national fame and paved the way for his future presidency.
- Debate over Imperialism: The war ignited a significant debate within the US over the morality and implications of imperialism, fueling anti-imperialist movements.
- Platt Amendment: This amendment, imposed on Cuba as a condition of its independence, gave the US significant influence over Cuban affairs, demonstrating the limitations of Cuban sovereignty.
- Philippine-American War: The US victory in the Spanish-American War led directly to the prolonged and brutal Philippine-American War (1899-1902), further highlighting the complexities and costs of American imperialism.