-
The DeLome letter
This letter, written by the Spanish Ambassador to the United States, Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, criticized American President William McKinley by calling him weak and concerned only with gaining the favor of the crowd. When the letter was published, support for the war was gained -
Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain!
Although President McKinley was weary about proclaiming a war on Spain over Cuba, his vice president, Theodore Roosevelt was not so much. In order to quell Roosevelt's desire for war and to quash any fears regarding Spain's presence in Cuba, McKinley stationed the USS Maine in Havana Harbour. On the 16th on February of 1898, the Maine exploded, killing 267 U.S. sailors on board. The cause of the explosion was undetermined, but most blamed it on a Spanish torpedo. -
US Declaration of War on Spain
Following the explosion of the USS Maine and the publishing of the DeLome letter, Congress decided to declare war on Spain. This is the only war initiated by America not to be declared by the president. -
Attack on Manila Bay
The American Asiatic Quadron under its leader George Dewey conquered and destroyed the Spanish Pacific Quadron. The battle took place in Manila Bay in the Phillipines and the victory in this war ended the Spanish reign in the Philippines. -
Battle of San Juan Hill
This battle took place in Cuba and is the most infamous and bloodiest battle of the war. The Buffalo Soldiers and Rough Riders both were instrumental in this American victory. Although America won this battle, it suffered nearly 5 times as many deaths as Spain -
Signing of the Treaty of Paris
Upon the signing of this peace pact, America gained its first foreign empire by acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. It also marked the end of Spain's empirical period.
