US History

The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930)

This collection uses primary sources to explore the Spanish-American War.

The title page to an 1898 song, “Remember the Maine, ” from the book *Songs of ’98*.

The sheet music for an 1898 song beginning “Our gallant warship Maine, she will never sail again.”

An excerpt, “Appeal to Americans,” from *Cuba’s Great Struggle for Freedom*, 1898.

An illustration of the destruction of the battleship *Maine*, circa 1898.

A poem, “Cuba Libre,” by Joaquin Miller, from *War Poems*, 1898.

An illustration of the Spanish-American War in Cuba, circa 1898.

An excerpt from a 1904 pamphlet called “The Cost of War and Warfare, from 1898-1904.”

The introduction from an 1899 book, *A Complete History of the Spanish-American War*.

Cover of a book commemorating a speech by José Martí on Bolívar, called *Bolívar: un discurso de José Martí (A speech of Jose Marti)*. 

An 1898 political cartoon titled “Our Export Business with Spain.” 

A photograph of the First United States Volunteer Cavalry, or “Rough Riders,” led by Theodore Roosevelt, circa 1860-1920.

The Rough Riders were the most famous volunteer regiment of the Spanish-American War. The regiment was led by Theodore Roosevelt, who, along with his men, achieved hero status in the American popular imagination as a result of their fighting, particularly after the Battle of San Juan Hill. Roosevelt is on the bottom row, third from the right.

An excerpt from the 1899 treaty between the US and Spain that ended the Spanish-American War.

Questions

1. Using the introduction from [*A Complete History of the Spanish-American War*](http://dp.la/primary-source-sets/american-imperialism-the-spanish-american-war/sources/403), explain how historians of the time viewed this conflict in contrast with how historians today view this conflict.

2. Use the sources in this set to explain the key motivations for the US involvement in this war.

3. What role did propaganda play in the development of this war? Cite evidence from the two songs and other sources in this set.

4. Using items in this set, explain how the US used comparisons to its own Revolution during the Spanish-American War.

5. Looking specifically at the [peace treaty](http://dp.la/primary-source-sets/american-imperialism-the-spanish-american-war/sources/407) between the United States and Spain, describe how the United States benefitted economically and politically from this war. Did the outcomes of the war match the original intentions of the US for going to war?

Activity

The destruction of the warship Maine was a central event that propelled America into war with Spain. This event has baffled historians for over a century because there is no clear explanation for what happened. Research the theories that historians and engineers have come up with over the years. Write an essay explaining the different theories and describing which one is most commonly accepted and why.

Teaching Guide: Exploring the Spanish-American War

Resources

1. [Crucible of Empire: The Spanish-American War](http://www.pbs.org/crucible/), PBS. 

2. [The Spanish-American War: The United States Becomes a World Power](http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/primarysourcesets/spanish-american-war/), the Library of Congress. 

3. [Spanish American War](http://www.history.com/topics/spanish-american-war), History.com. 

4. [The World of 1898: The Spanish-American War](http://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/), the Library of Congress. 

Overview

The United States has always been active in helping other nations gain independence, although historians argue about the United States’ motives for doing so. Whether in South Vietnam, South Korea, or Cuba, US foreign policy has long been one of providing economic and military assistance to others. But when is the United States defending its democratic ideals and when, despite its status as a former colony, is it extending its control and influence through military force as an imperial power? One of the earliest examples is US intervention in Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain, which led to the Spanish-American War in 1898. Encouraged by sensationalist American journalism about the Cuban conflict and the mysterious sinking of the US Navy battleship *Maine* in Havana harbor, the United States declared war against Spain in late April. After only months of fighting the under-resourced Spanish military in Cuba and Philippines, the US emerged victorious as a new world power with a stake in international politics. In the December 1898 Treaty of Paris, Spain renounced all claim to Cuba, ceded Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States, and transferred sovereignty over the Philippines to the United States for $20 million. What motivated America to take on a superpower like Spain? Review the sources in this set to gain insight into the motivations for US engagement in the Spanish-American War.

English

American Imperialism: The Spanish-American War

american-imperialism-spanish-american-war_04_c9356ad06bbfece0368bcfb2a59a73d3.jpg

Courtesy of The New York Public Library. 

Sonntag, William Louis, “Destruction of the battleship Maine, at Havana, February 15, 1898,” Digital Public Library of America, https://dp.la/item/c9356ad06bbfece0368bcfb2a59a73d3.

An illustration of the destruction of the battleship Maine, circa 1898.

Cite this item

Tips for Students

Item 4 of 12 in the Primary Source Set American Imperialism: The Spanish-American War