The Spanish-American War of 1898

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the United States, as part of its imperialist expansion, annexed Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Philippines during the War. The author points out that the cause of American imperialism and the popular desire for expanding the country's influence beyond its borders was taken up by the popular press of the time, but was vigorously opposed by several prominent figures, such as Andrew Carnegie and Mark Twain. The paper concludes that the war carries significant lessons for the students of history that are especially relevant in the current global environment, in which the US is once again looking to assert its political and military power.

Table of Contents
Background
Cuban Struggle for Independence
American Imperialism and Yellow Journalism
Sinking of the Maine
Declaration of War
The Philippines
The Caribbean War
Peace Treaty and the Aftermath of the War
Opposition to the War
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"True to the advice of its founding fathers like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, the United States had, in the first century of its existence, kept well away from foreign entanglements and concentrated on its domestic consolidation. After the American Civil War (1861-1865) the country experienced rapid industrial growth. This led to the need and desire for expanding its markets beyond its frontiers and for showing its political and military muscle at the international scene. The Monroe Doctrine and the rallying cry of the country's "manifest destiny" became popular slogans in the country as more and more Americans began to believe that territorial expansion by the United States was both inevitable and "divinely ordained." Certain events in the neighboring territories were soon to provide it the opportunity to flex its muscles."

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