Discussion Topic
The outcomes and strategies of the United States during the Spanish-American War
Summary:
The United States achieved a swift victory in the Spanish-American War, leading to the Treaty of Paris and the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Key strategies included a naval blockade of Cuba, swift naval victories in the Philippines, and coordinated ground assaults in Cuba. This war marked the U.S. emergence as a global power.
How did the United States win the Spanish-American War?
First, let's begin with an overview. The Spanish-American War took place in 1898 between the Spanish and Americans over territory and imperialism. The US intervened in the Cuban War for Independence. Soon afterwards, the USS Maine was sunk near Cuba, and although we are not completely positive what happened, most assume that Spain retaliated for their loss of Cuba. During the war, both Cuba and Philippines fought against Spanish imperial war, and ultimately the US won. The Treaty of Paris (1898) gave the US temporary control of Cuba as well as indefinite colonial control of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Guam and Puerto Rico remain US territories today.
The US was able to win the Spanish-American War primarily because of superior naval power. While the most famous charge was Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders charging up San Juan Hill, the naval forces in the Philippines were also very...
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important for American success. The Battle at Manila Bay in the Philippines was very much one-sided; the Americans had far superior weapons and a much larger fleet.
In additional to the naval power, the Americans had local support. Both the Cubans and Filipinos fought alongside American troops to remove Spanish colonial forces and rule. Having a powerful army, navy, and support from the local population was a major help.
The United States won this war in three ways.
First, the US had a much stronger and more modern navy than Spain did. This allowed it to destroy Spanish fleets at Manila and in Cuba.
Second, the US was much more able to supply its soldiers in Cuba. Cuba was, of course, close to the United States and far from Spain. US naval power meant that the Spanish on Cuba could not be resupplied. This helped the US win.
Finally, the US was much more motivated to fight. American volunteers were very excited about the war while the Spaniards were much less interested.
All of these factors contributed to US victory.
What did the U.S. gain from the Spanish-American War?
The Spanish-American War occurred in 1898 between Spain and the United
States, mainly because of U.S. intervention in the Cuban War of Independence.
As a result of the U.S. attacks on Spain's pacific possessions, the Philippine
Revolution and the Philippine-American War occurred. This ten-week war was
fought in the Caribbean, as well as the Pacific.
The end result of the war was the Treaty of Paris, which was negotiated in
favor of the United States. This treaty allowed the US temporary control of
Cuba, and surrendered ownership of the Philippine Islands, Guam, and Puerto
Rico. The surrender of the Philippines to the US required the US to pay Spain
$20 million. The defeat of the Spanish Empire brought forth an artistic and
philosophical change throughout Spain. The US acquired several new islands
covering the globe, which ultimately sparked a debate over expansionism. The
Spanish-American War was only one of eleven wars formally declared by
Congress.