Spanish-American War

Your answers are due by 12:25 p.m. on Nov. 2.

Questions for Part II—The Spanish-American War

1. What connections did the U.S. have to Cuba in the late 1800s? List at least two.
The United states was by far the largest consumer of of Cuban sugar and about fifty million dollars worth of America investment went to Cuba after the revolt was over. Most all of it went to the Sugar industry. A legislation was passed that boosted the fortunes of both the Cuban economy and American investors on the island.

2. What were the Spanish “reconcentration camps”?
They were towns filled with Cuban peasents. They were used by the spanish to prevent non-rebels from helping nationalist forces. The towns lacked food and housing and a result thousands died from starvation.



3. List three reasons why the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba.
a.The newspapers publicisized that the bombing of the U.S Maine was the fault of the Spanish.

b.The De Lome letter insulted the Americans and proved that the Spanish were against them.

c.The Spanish were taking over Cuba and making them slaves and America wanted to have free access to their sugar so they went into Cuba.


4. Which do you believe was the most important reason? Why? I believe that the De Lome letter was the most important reason because the letter made all of the Americans have hatred towards all of the Spanish, the Americans called it "the worst insult the country has ever gotten." It embarrssed the president and made everyone in America furious with Spanish.


5. What did the Teller Amendment say?
The Teller-Amendement showed that America had no interest in asserting sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over Cuba and promised to "leave the government and control of the island to its people" once peace was restored.


6. Why was a portion of the Spanish-American War fought in the Philippines?
Because the Spanish had a fleet base there and the Americans knew that the Filippinos would be on their side.

7. Dewey’s victory in the ____Philippines________________________ sparked an outpouring of ______pride___________ in the United States.



8. Why did Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders want to fight in Cuba?
They wanted to fight in Cuba in pride for where they live and they didn't want to bring the war into the United States.

9. a. Why were many African-Americans eager to serve in the Spanish-American War?
They wanted to fight in the S-A war because they realized it would issure them more respect, it would show that African Americans care about their country and they are willing to die for it.

b. What forms of discrimination and prejudice did they encounter?
They were the firts units to be mobilized, they were denied promotion, they were not given the chance to fight in Cuba and they had to withstand tropical disease.
10. How did racism influence American perceptions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines? Give two examples of events where racism affected U.S. policy after the war.

a. The businessmen in America took over the Cuban land and railroads and they were in control of the economy because they believed that rebels needed guidance and managing all their affairs.

b. White Americans had little faith in African Americans and Asian soldiers that were on their side. They did not believe the Puerto Ricans, people from guam, and the filippins would be able to have a stable economy.