Download USS Maine

Reasons for the Spanish American War
Protection of American business interests in Cuba
American support of Cuban rebels to gain
independence from Spain
Rising tensions as a result of the sinking of the
U.S.S. Maine
Exaggerated news reports of events (Yellow
Journalism)
Cuba fought for their independence
from Spain
The U.S. was outraged after the
explosion on the U.S.S. Maine
Journalist wrote exaggerated articles to
sell more papers. This was known as
yellow journalism.
Results of the Spanish American War
The United States emerged as a
world power
Cuba gained its independence from
Spain
The United States gained the
Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam
Puerto Rico
Guam
The Philippines
Reasons for US involvement:
Inability to remain neutral
German submarine warfare—
sinking of the Lusitania
US economic and political ties to
Great Britain
A German submarine sunk the
Lusitania, outraging the United States.
Great Britain
Russia
Serbia
France
Belgium
Germany, Austria-Hungary,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
The End of the War
At the end of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson
prepared a peace plan that called for the formation of the
League of Nations, a peace-keeping organization. The US
decided not to join the League of Nations.