Which Of These Events Triggered The Spanish American War

Which Of These Events Triggered The Spanish American War

Introduction

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the history of the United States. One of the events that always caught my attention was the Spanish American War. I was always curious about what events led to the war and how it affected the United States. In this article, I will be exploring the events that triggered the Spanish American War in 1898.

The Background

The Spanish American War was a conflict between Spain and the United States that took place in 1898. The war was fought over the issue of Cuban independence, which had been ongoing for several years. The United States had a strong interest in Cuba due to its proximity to the United States and its potential as a trading partner.

The Events

There were several events that led to the Spanish American War. One of the main events was the sinking of the USS Maine. The USS Maine was a United States Navy ship that was sent to Cuba to protect American interests. On February 15, 1898, the ship exploded and sank, killing 266 American sailors. While the cause of the explosion was never determined, the American public blamed Spain for the incident. Another event that led to the Spanish American War was the publication of the De Lome Letter. The De Lome Letter was a private letter written by the Spanish ambassador to the United States that was critical of President William McKinley. The publication of the letter in a New York newspaper caused a public outcry and increased tensions between the United States and Spain. The final event that led to the Spanish American War was the Teller Amendment. The Teller Amendment was a resolution passed by the United States Congress that declared the United States had no intention of annexing Cuba. This resolution angered Spain and increased tensions between the two countries.

The Celebration

In 2023, the United States will be celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Spanish American War. There will be several events and ceremonies commemorating the war, including a parade in New York City and a special exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.

FAQs

Q: Why did the United States get involved in the Cuban struggle for independence?

A: The United States had a strong interest in Cuba due to its proximity to the United States and its potential as a trading partner.

Q: What was the De Lome Letter?

A: The De Lome Letter was a private letter written by the Spanish ambassador to the United States that was critical of President William McKinley.

Q: What was the Teller Amendment?

A: The Teller Amendment was a resolution passed by the United States Congress that declared the United States had no intention of annexing Cuba.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Spanish American War was a significant event in American history that was triggered by several events. The sinking of the USS Maine, the publication of the De Lome Letter, and the Teller Amendment all played a role in the outbreak of the war. As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the war, it is important to remember the events that led to it and the impact it had on the United States.