The Spanish American War

The Spanish-American war occurred when spanish colonies between the Western Pacific Ocean and Latin America wanted to gain independence from Spain. War began when Cuba revolted from the Spanish government of Spain in February 1995. The United States, (which avoided foreign affairs and followed the Monroe Doctrine), involved themselves militarily once America’s investments in Cuban companies became a risk. President William McKinley did not want to involve the young nation into a war, however many Americans began advertising propaganda against Spain. The propaganda only fueled Spain’s rage. Cuban people have been revolting against the Spanish government since the early 1890s (History of Cuba 1). However, with many american investments in large corporations the cubans knew it was only a matter of time before America would involve themselves as well. Eighty-six …show more content…
military. He was the main leader of the cavalry regiment, “Rough Riders”. The group was the first calvary that volunteered to fight against Spain. The group had a mix of individuals such as some of his cowboy friends, law enforcement officials, and some Native Americans. The calvaries best known battle was the battle at San Juan hill on July 1, 1998. The group was the most popular among the american people, receiving publicity from newspapers (America’s Story: Rough Riders 1, 2). The involvement with the navy helped Roosevelt in his later career in politics. The final battle of the Spanish-American war was fought on July 17, U.S. troops battled the Spanish fleet off of Santiago Bay. There, the Spanish surrendered their defeat. The war was officially over on August 12 where the Spanish and American people signed a treaty of peace, ending all hostility between the two countries (The Library of Congress: Spanish American war 3). Months later, the U.S. ratifies the treaty and becomes a protectorate over Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines