Introduction
The Spanish-American war remains iconic for being the first to cause international military conflict since 1846, during the Mexican-American war. The war occurred due to America’s empathy for Cuba, which was under harsh Spanish rule. In efforts to fight for their independence, Americans joined Cuban rebels to disband Spanish rule in Cuba.
The aftermath of the war made America take control of an overseas empire. This overseas empire comprised Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Philippines and Guam belonged to the islands of the Pacific Ocean, while Puerto Rico belonged to the islands of the Caribbean Sea. Apart from America’s success in eradicating the Spanish empire from Cuba, the war revealed the power of the American navy in the global community.
The Challenge of Declaring War
The declaration of the Spanish-American war by America took a complicated process due to President McKinley’s resistance to public opinion (City University of New York 2023). By 1980, the only Spanish colonies in South America still under Spanish control were Puerto Rico and Cuba (City University of New York 2023). Even though Cuban independence fighters had tried their best to rebel, they were overpowered by Spain’s powerful military. In efforts to fight for their independence, Americans joined Cubans to end the Spanish regime.
What spiked the war was the explosion of America’s USS Maine battleships on February 15, 1898 (City University of New York). Maine’s destruction claimed over 250 American lives. The explosion gave rise to yellow journalism in the 1890s. During this era, publications like New York World and New York Journal published sensational stories. Coupled with public pressure, McKinley requested Congress to declare war on April 19, 1898, after failed diplomacy engagements.
The Spanish-American War
The Spanish-American war lasted for two months, with the U.S.A. seizing Cuban territory from Spanish control. Even though the conflict was over the liberation of Cuba from Spanish control, American strategists approached it as a war for empire (City of New York University 2023).
Theodore Roosevelt, the American Navy’s assistant secretary, played a significant role during the formation of the Overseas Empire. He ordered the American Navy to attack Spanish territories in Philippines, leaving the country under American control (City of New York University 2023). Theodore Roosevelt also led his Rough Riders during the Cuban Victory who surrounded Santiago, the strongest Spanish stronghold in Cuba. Theodore’s efforts and support from black American soldiers made the war victorious.
Establishing Peace and Creating an Empire
After the end of the war, American and Spanish diplomats met for a peace summit in Paris in October 1898 (City of New York University 2023). Even though the Spanish government had commitments to regain control of the Philippines, their efforts failed due to resistance from McKinley. However, subsequent peace negotiations made Spain recognize Cuba’s independence.
In addition, the finalization of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898, made America internationally recognized as an empire (City of New York University, 2023). The empire was made up of Guam, Puerto Rico, and Philippines. After the conclusion of the Spanish-American war, America continued to expand the empire b conquering more territories. During all these battles, the U.S. Navy played a fundamental role in defeating the opponents.
Conclusion
The Spanish-American war remains historic in America for the legacy it left behind. The rescue of Cuba from Spanish rule allowed America to form an empire that gave the nation greater influence internationally and overseas. It allowed the country to occupy valuable territories in the Pacific and Central America, thanks to the decisive military. Despite concerns that the Spanish-American war was not good, Americans and the American government agreed that it showed progress, prosperity, and prestige.
Reference
City University of New York. 2023. The Spanish-American War and the Overseas Empire. Reading, Unit 23. Web.