Imperialism In The Spanish American War

Seizing Overseas America obtained a pinpoint on the global map at the turn of the 19th century. The Spanish American war was a turning point in American history in that it changed the political, social, and economic aspects of society. Prior to the war, America was focused on itself as a nation and expanding nationally. However, at this period in time, the U.S. decided to expand beyond national borders and partake in the global market. By participating in this war, the U.S. was exposed to the concepts and practices of imperialism, yellow journalism, and jingoism. As demonstrated in Crucible of Empire, the Spanish American War altered American society by adopting imperialism, yellow journalism, and jingoism. America introduced the policy

Yellow journalism is “a scandal-mongering practice of journalism that emerged in New York” during the nineteenth century (Kennedy and Cohen 558). This form of propaganda was influential during a time of war because it persuaded many indecisive Americans. For example, William Randolph Hearst had “the most influential newspaper in New York” (Crucible of Empire). In his newspaper, the New York Journal, he was able to spin stories in ways that he wanted to; thereby controlling the public and their thoughts and opinions on certain issues. In particular, his article about the sinking of the Maine was one of the biggest and most influential stories he published (“Yellow Journalism” par. 3). “After the sinking of the Maine, the Hearst newspapers, with no evidence, unequivocally blamed the Spanish” and the public quickly followed (“Yellow Journalism” par. 3). His story changed America’s view on the situation and eventually provoked action. The Spanish American War marked a change in the way many wars were typically fought. At the turn of the century, “the United States emerged as a world power, and the U.S. press proved its influence” (“Yellow Journalism” par. 4). As shown in the documentary, Crucible of Empire, the Spanish American War changed the way Americans approached war by introducing the practice of yellow journalism and influential

At the start of the Spanish American War, the U.S. army was strong, however, not as strong as some had hoped. By the end of the war, the army was very strong and successful due to the rise of jingoism in the American citizens. The press influenced society through its underlying message of jingoism. Many people joined the army because of their nationalism and loyalty to their country. “The Spanish American War sparked unprecedented levels of patriotism and confidence” in the American people (“The Film” par. 1). Engaging in this war resulted in a jingoistic society, which was different than years prior. This extreme patriotism united the nation and created a hunger for success as a nation. The institution of jingoism in the lives of the American people was a crucial social modification that stemmed from the Spanish American