The Spanish-American War: From Conflict to Imperial Power

🔍The Spanish-American War was fought between April and August 1898 and had significant consequences for the United States.

💥The war was triggered by American support for Cuban and Filipino independence, as well as business interests.

📜Spain granted Cuba independence and ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States as part of the war's outcomes.

🌍The U.S. acquired the Philippines as a result of the war, leading to a prolonged conflict for Filipino independence.

🇺🇸The Spanish-American War transformed the United States into an imperial power, with influence over and responsibility for the countries under its control.

What were the main causes of the Spanish-American War?

—The main causes of the war were American support for Cuban and Filipino independence and the protection of American business interests.

What were the outcomes of the Spanish-American War?

—The outcomes of the war included Spain granting Cuba independence and ceding Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States. The U.S. also acquired the Philippines.

How did the Spanish-American War impact the United States?

—The war transformed the United States into an imperial power and led to its acquisition of territories. It also sparked a prolonged conflict for Filipino independence.

What role did the USS Maine play in the war?

—The USS Maine, a battleship sent by President McKinley, exploded in Havana harbor. Although the cause of the explosion was unclear, it led to increased tensions and public sentiment in favor of war.

What was the significance of the Spanish-American War?

—The war marked a turning point for the United States, transitioning it from a former British colony to an imperial power with global influence and responsibility.

00:06The Spanish-American War fought between April and August 1898 had significant consequences for the United States.

00:43American businesses had invested $50 million in Cuban sugar production by 1895.

01:20President McKinley sent the battleship USS Maine to patrol Havana harbor in response to the crisis.

01:56The battleship exploded, killing 268 people, and although the cause was never determined, it fueled the sentiment for war.

02:06The United States declared war against Spain on April 25, 1898.

02:22American forces quickly outmaneuvered Spain's military, leading to Spain suing for peace four months later.

02:48The Treaty of Paris was signed on December 10, 1898, formally ending the Spanish-American War.

02:55The war transformed the United States into an imperial power with control over Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.