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Lesson Number: 027

Aim: What were the causes of the Spanish-American War?

1. Underlying causes of the Spanish-American War

   1. The United States tried to purchase Cuba from Spain several times.
   1. Several Americans were in Cuba investing in the Cuban sugar plantations and refineries.
   2. Cubans revolted against the Spanish several times to gain independence.
   3. Spain sent General Weyler to keep order in Cuba.
   1. General Weyler put down the Cuban revolts and put over 200,000 Cubans in concentration camps.
   4. United States newspapers reported stories of the Cuban prisoners and camps and made-up fake stories about Cuba.
   1. These stocking stories, most untrue, became unknown as Yellow Journalism.
   5. The United States public believing the Yellow Journalist's stories reacted to what was "going on" in Cuba.
   6. President William McKinley wanted the United States to remain neutral, but also saw the opportunity for th United States to benefit from the problems in Cuba.
   
   

2. Immediate causes of the Spanish-American War

   1. The United States sent the battleship, U.S.S. Maine, to Cuba to "show the flag".
   2. An American battleship was sent to show America's strength and protect American interests overseas.
   3. On Febraury 15, 1898, the Maine exploded in Cuba, killing 260 American sailors.
   4. Yellow Journalists printed their newstories in America and the United States government blamed Spain for the disaster.

Social Studies Performance Standards
Objective Number(s) covered in this lesson - SS1, SS2, SS3

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