(A) Factual news reports of the accounts of the war
(B) The building of the USS Maine
(C) ** Protecting American businesses in Cuba
(D) Spanish support of Cuba’s fight to be their own country
EXPLANATIONS BELOW
Concept note-1: -The United States had millions of dollars invested in businesses in Cuba and there were many U.S. citizens in residence there. The U.S. also traded goods with Cuba. In 1898, the United States assisted in war to protect its citizens and businesses in Cuba.
Concept note-2: -Origins of the war. The war originated in the Cuban struggle for independence from Spain, which began in February 1895. The Cuban conflict was injurious to U.S. investments in the island, which were estimated at $50 million, and almost ended U.S. trade with Cuban ports, normally valued at $100 million annually.
Concept note-3: -Although the United States promised it would not annex Cuba after victory, it did require Cuba to permit significant American intervention in Cuban affairs. As a result of the war, the United States acquired Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines as territories.
Concept note-4: -Closely tied with becoming a world naval power, the Spanish American War resulted in the U.S. becoming worldwide economic power, able to extend its commercial reach while under naval protection. This was very closely tied to item#1, above. Prior to the war, the U.S. had no commercial fleet of which to speak.
Concept note-5: -The main goal of American businesses in Cuba in the 1800s was to develop the cash-crop market of tobacco, sugar, and fruit for export.