USA HISTORY

AMERICAN IMPERIALISM(1890 1919)

THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR

[SOURCES]
Which statement best describes the cause of the Spanish-American War?

(A) Teh explosion of the USS Maine of unknown reasons led to the Spanish-American War.

(B) The influence of newspapers pushed American public to declare war against Spain fo rtheir atrocities.

(C) ** Many causes, including yellow journalism and American economic interests in Cuba, combined to push the US into war with Spain.

(D) President McKinley whole-heartedly wanted to declare war on Spain, even if it was not necessary.

EXPLANATIONS BELOW

Concept note-1: -The reasons for war were many, but there were two immediate ones: America’s support the ongoing struggle by Cubans and Filipinos against Spanish rule, and the mysterious explosion of the battleship U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor.

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: -Which statement best describes the economic effects of the Spanish-American War on the United States? The acquisition of territory meant more resources and trade routes.

Concept note-4: -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.