AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Causes of the Spanish-American War (Day 220/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about the Causes of the Spanish-American War as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Empire of Liberty, Wikimedia Commons

The Spanish-American War, erupting in 1898, resulted from a confluence of factors that escalated tensions between the United States and Spain, but was primarily catalyzed by the Cuban independence movement. 

Remember the Maine! And Don't Forget the Starving Cubans!, Wikimedia Commons

The USS Maine, sent to Cuba to evacuate Americans from the island, mysteriously exploded in Havana Harbor. Sensationalized reporting, known as yellow journalism, blamed Spain and further exaggerated Spanish atrocities in Cuba which influenced public opinion.

Spanish Empire, 1898, Wikimedia Commons

Economic interests were a major contributing factor as investments and trade in Cuba were threatened, and new opportunities would become available with the diminishing of Spanish dominance.

De Lome Letter, Wikimedia Commons

Additionally, a growing wave of nationalism was evident when the U.S. intercepted the De Lome letter in which the Spanish ambassador attacked President McKinley and insulted the honor of the nation.

Ultimately, the combination of political, economic, and nationalistic factors led to a climate of war fever, culminating in the U.S. declaration of war against Spain in April 1898.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Effects of the Spanish-American War in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!