Download Spanish-American War

Activities: Guided Reading/Creative Learners
Spanish-American War
1898
The Spanish-American War was a conflict between the United States and
Spain. It started with the Wilson-Gorman Tariff in 1894. The tariff limited the
amount of sugar products that could go to America. It hurt the economy of Cuba,
which was a Spanish colony. Cuba was a major producer of sugar. Now it was
difficult for the United States to import sugar. Cuba began to have too much sugar,
and it began to lose money. Angered by this, the Cubans began to revolt against the
Spanish government.
The rebels were called the “insurrectos.” Spain sent in its army, which was
led by General Valeriano Weyler. He was known to be ruthless and was nicknamed
“The Butcher.” Weyler imprisoned many of the Cuban rebels. The United States
had investments in Cuba and became upset by this situation. Newspapers wrote
stories that sensationalized Spanish military tactics. The newspapers inflamed the
American public’s desire for war. Some American businessmen with commercial
interests in Cuba also pressed for war. President Grover Cleveland opposed the
Spanish actions in Cuba but did not want to go to war.
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Activities: Guided Reading/Creative Learners
In 1898 William McKinley became President of the United States. He also
did not want to go to war. The United States sent the USS Maine to Cuba. The ship
was there to protect United States citizens from the fighting. The Maine suffered an
explosion on February 15. American newspaper writers claimed Spain caused it
with an underwater mine. The case was investigated, but there was no proof of the
newspapers’ claims. Many years later the explosion was proven to be an accident,
and Spain was not involved. Nevertheless, McKinley declared war on Spain; and
Spain declared war on the United States. There were people who thought the
United States wanted to take over Cuba. They thought that was the only reason for
the war. America passed the Teller Amendment, which stated Cuba would be free
after the war. However, there would be limits to that freedom.
General William Shafter led the United States Army. The army was not well
prepared, but it fought hard. Theodore Roosevelt led a famous volunteer regiment
called the “Rough Riders.” Roosevelt was a former Assistant Secretary of the Navy
and left his job to lead the Rough Riders. Together with an African-American
regiment, they defeated the Spanish at the Battle of San Juan Hill. In a few weeks,
the Americans defeated the Spanish forces in Cuba.
The war was fought in other places. Commodore George Dewey led a naval
attack at Manila Bay in the Spanish colony of the Philippines. Dewey’s fleet
defeated the Spanish navy. Rebels in the Philippines were already fighting the
Spanish. They wanted independence from Spanish rule. Dewey wanted more
American forces brought to the Philippines. Soon American troops arrived, and
they conquered the Spanish forces there. The Filipino rebels did not want
Americans to rule their country, and the rebels fought the Americans for three more
years. Afterward, American forces conquered the Philippines.
Leaders from America and Spain soon met to end the war. They signed the
Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898. Cuba was now free, but under great United
States influence. The United States took control of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the
Philippines.
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Activities: Guided Reading/Creative Learners
Name: ________________________________
Date: ____________________
Spanish-American War
1898
Discussion Questions:
1. What did the Wilson-Gorman Tariff do?
2. What were the Cuban rebels called?
3. Who did many Americans think blew up the USS Maine?
4. What other Spanish colonies did the United States acquire in the SpanishAmerican War?
5. What treaty ended the Spanish-American War?
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