Spanish-American War

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Spanish-American War was a war fought between Spain and the United States of America in the year 1898. This war was fought because the United States intervened with foreign political issues in Spain's colonies, which include: Cuba, Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam. All of these colonies, except for Cuba, would become United States' colonies at the end of the war.

[edit] Causes

Following reports of Spanish abuse and killing of Cubans, the United States sent warships to Cuba. Spain was losing control of Cuba and had been putting Cubans into concentration camps. The United States sent ships to Cuba to try and force Spain to give up Cuba. The U.S. battleship Maine exploded in Cuban waters. U.S. newspapers blamed Spain when, in reality, the ship exploded from an accident. Spain tried to stop war, but pressure from U.S. newspapers, called "yellow journalism," and people forced the United States government to go to war.

The war was also caused by U.S. newspapers and others who felt that the United States needed colonies like most of the major European countries at the time.

[edit] Fighting

Volunteers throughout the country signed up to go to war. Future president, Theodore Roosevelt raised troops and became famous in leading the Rough Riders during the Battle of San Juan Hill.

A major attack occurred in the Philippines. An American fleet commanded by George Dewey destroyed the Spanish fleet.

Ground battles took place in Cuba and Puerto Rico.

[edit] Peace

The war was ended with the Treaty of Paris in December 1898. Spain agreed to grant Cuba its freedom and gave the U.S. Puerto Rico and Guam. For $20 million, Spain also gave the U.S. the Philippines. The war was won by the United States and they soon began to occupy and take control of these colonies after Spain surrendered. 379 American soldiers died during fighting. However, more than 5,000 Americans died from diseases such as yellow fever, typhoid, and malaria.