In 1898, the United States and Spain clashed in a brief yet pivotal conflict known as the Spanish-American War. This war marked the end of Spain’s colonial presence in the Americas and signaled the emergence of the U.S. as a global power.
The immediate catalyst for the war was Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain. American newspapers sensationalized reports of Spanish atrocities, stirring public opinion in favor of intervention. The tipping point came with the mysterious explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, resulting in the loss of 266 American sailors. While the exact cause of the explosion remains uncertain, the incident fueled calls for war under the rallying cry, “Remember the Maine!”
Hostilities commenced in April 1898, with combat spanning both the Caribbean and the Pacific theaters. In the Philippines, Commodore George Dewey led a decisive naval victory at the Battle of Manila Bay, effectively destroying the Spanish fleet stationed there. Meanwhile, in Cuba, future President Theodore Roosevelt gained fame for leading the Rough Riders in a bold charge up San Juan Hill. The war concluded swiftly, lasting only about ten weeks. The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, compelled Spain to relinquish claims over Cuba and cede territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. This expansion signified America’s transition into a formidable global power with overseas possessions.
Sources and Further Reading
- Office of the Historian – U.S. Department of State: The Spanish-American War
- Britannica: Causes and Effects of the Spanish-American War
- History.com: Spanish-American War
- Library of Congress: Spanish-American War – A Resource Guide
- Naval History and Heritage Command: Historical Overview of the Spanish-American War