The Causes and Effects of the Spanish-American War

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The Spanish-American war was fought in the year 1898, 33 years after the end of the Civil War in 1865. The threat of Spain upon Cuba blazed the patriotic hearts of the Americans as what appeared to be Spain torturing its territories. There are many causes that can be credited to the condition of these territories and surprisingly, but not too ironically, it can be clearly traced to that of the American people. The Cubans had been oppressed and under rule by the Spanish for hundreds of years, and had not had their freedom for generations. In the year of 1895, the Cubans were terribly misgoverned, and demanded independence. However, their cry for freedom was also attributed to the Wilson Gorman Act. This act restricted sugar imports to America and greatly endangered the lives of Cuban citizens, whose economy revolved around sugar. This devastating act forced the Cuban people to suffer extreme poverty, or to die as patriots for the chance of freedom. The idea that the American people felt empathetic to the Cubans to me was crafted by the government and the press to be a cover-up by having the people on their side. I feel that this idea is very ignorant and prideful, considering the acts of Americans in almost their whole existence of being a country. The act of slavery was a very secure sense of confinement with next to no chance of escape or free agency. Also, the persecution of the Native Americans from their homes and families were despicable crimes against humanity. The effects of Yellow Journalism on the country were phenomenal. Led by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, their vivid pictures painted in black and white exaggerated the tales of foreign intervention. Stories of women being ... ... middle of paper ... ...ave to refuel making the trip, and could be seriously monopolized just for fuel. Military-wise, Asian countries would not be able to travel the Pacific Ocean to attack, leaving the U.S. relatively safe in its new Imperialistic force. Also, Puerto Rico lies east of the Panama Canal, which controls passage between the American continents. With America owning all Pacific Island territories, another monopoly is placed, and the Young Imperialist strikes again. In less than 120 years, America emerged as its own country to a massive imperial force. Through control of the seas, and eyes open for military and business opportunities, success was found in the small Pacific islands. Our country will continue to grow, not just for land, with the voice of the people, causing change. Each voice can be heard as we take the reigns of our country. (Plays Star Spangled Banner Music)

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