Spanish American War Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Spanish American War?
The Spanish-American War was a short but significant conflict between the United States and Spain, lasting from April 1898 until August 1898. The war had its roots in US efforts to expand its influence in the western hemisphere during this time of rapid expansionism. American citizens were outraged at what they perceived as Spain’s oppressive rule of Cuba and wanted to aid Cuban revolutionaries against Spanish forces. Ultimately, the war marked an important turning point in US history, with numerous consequences for both countries involved.At the heart of the conflict was US intervention on behalf of Cuban rebels who had been fighting for independence from Spain since 1895. To gain control over Cuba and end Spanish rule, US President William McKinley sent a naval squadron to Havana in early 1898 after several reports emerged that Spain had attacked American ships near Cuba’s coast. This act quickly escalated tensions between the two countries which eventually led to a declaration of war by Congress on April 25th, 1898; America declared war on Spain four days later. The Spanish-American War was brief yet decisive by mid-July 1898 all major cities under Spanish control within Cuba were taken by US troops and other forces commanded by General Nelson Miles including Puerto Rico and Guam which ultimately became part of America’s growing overseas empire following victory over Spain at Santiago de Cuba (July 3rd). As part of negotiations that ended hostilities with the Treaty of Paris (December 10th), Spain ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines Islands as well as portions of New Guinea and Samoa islands to American ownership while also agreeing not interfere with any further attempts by Cubans to gain independence from colonial rule. In addition to establishing new territories under U.S sovereignty, this conflict also served as an important moment in terms foreign policy formation the first time that Washington actively sought out imperial territory abroad without direct military engagement or conquest–and introduced many Americans to their country’s potential role on international stage through language such Manifest Destiny. It also highlighted how changes outside national borders could have far reaching effects domestically: Before leaving office McKinley saw passage legislation granting autonomy within Philippines Islands even though it could only be accomplished if Congress passed laws authorizing appropriations funds towards those efforts . Finally ,this short yet impactful conflict allowed United States government leaders experiment with various strategies aimed at achieving success beyond traditional methods employed up until then i .e deployment large scale Army units into hostile environments . By applying more modern methods such reliance upon newly developed technologies like telegraphs/radio communication for quick distance messaging combined regular rotation system allowing fresh troops remain readiness instead expending them all once due exhaustion , Generals like Miles proved possible win wars without confronting enemy directly face -to-face combat necessary before their arrival onto battlefields In sum ,Spanish American War helped shape future foreign policies pertaining acquisition territories abroad while ushering new era warfare tactics previously unknowingly available U S military commanders.