The Spanish American War

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that both authors agree victory in the Spanish American War resulted in the image of the United States as a nation with global interests, acquiring Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippine Islands from Spain, and giving Cuba independence. The author stresses that Gould saw McKinley as a purposive and effective executive, but Offor described the president as a tentative man who did not want to go to war, but was pressured by the public to do so. The paper points out that McKinley, the first modern president, assumed a new role during this war, as McKinley led the nation's military effort, functioning directly as commander in chief, which had never been done before.

From the Paper:

"Thus, North American investment, particularly in plantations, mills, and mines, increased significantly in Cuba. By 1895, North American businessmen had invested up to 50 million dollars in Cuba, and by 1893, commerce exceeded 100 million dollars. According to Offor, "For the United States, Cuba was an important market for industrial goods and a source of raw sugar, tobacco, and various minerals; for Cuba, the United States was the essential importer of over 90 percent of sugar produced on the island ". Still, many North Americans were prejudiced against Spaniards and Cubans. The public viewed Spain as degenerate, with Catholic inquisition cruelties, a corrupt monarchy, and a backward economy. This view led to somewhat of a feeling of superiority."

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