USA HISTORY

AMERICAN IMPERIALISM(1890 1919)

THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR

[SOURCES]
The explosion of the USS Maine and the practice of yellow journalism played a significant role in the

(A) ** public’s support for the Spanish-American War

(B) creation of the Open Door policy

(C) acquisition of Florida

(D) purchase of Alaska

EXPLANATIONS BELOW

Concept note-1: -Maine was a United States Navy ship that sank in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, contributing to the outbreak of the Spanish–American War in April. U.S. newspapers, engaging in yellow journalism to boost circulation, claimed that the Spanish were responsible for the ship’s destruction.

Concept note-2: -Yellow journalism was a style of newspaper reporting that emphasized sensationalism over facts. During its heyday in the late 19th century it was one of many factors that helped push the United States and Spain into war in Cuba and the Philippines, leading to the acquisition of overseas territory by the United States.

Concept note-3: -What role did yellow Journalism play in the Spanish American War? Yellow journalism contributed to the start of the war by swaying peoples opinion to be in support the war. Publisher of the New York Journal newspaper used yellow journalism to influence the Spanish-American War.

Concept note-4: -On February 15, 1898, an explosion of unknown origin sank the battleship U.S.S. Maine in the Havana, Cuba harbor, killing 266 of the 354 crew members. The sinking of the Maine incited United States’ passions against Spain, eventually leading to a naval blockade of Cuba and a declaration of war.

Concept note-5: -In 1897, newly elected President William McKinley cautioned patience, but the explosion of the Maine shattered U.S. relations with Spain and led to a declaration of war on April 25, 1898. War with Spain caused the U.S. to rethink its long-held principle of anti-colonialism.