Posted: January 24th, 2024

Importance of Spanish American War from a Political Science Perspective

Importance of Spanish American War from a Political Science Perspective
The Spanish-American War of 1898 was a pivotal event in the history of the United States and its relations with the world. It marked the emergence of the US as a global power with interests and influence beyond its borders. It also shaped the political and social development of the countries that were involved in the conflict, such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Spain. In this blog post, I will analyze the importance of the Spanish-American War from a political science perspective, focusing on its causes, consequences, and implications for the future.

Causes of the War

The Spanish-American War was triggered by a series of events that occurred in the late 19th century, involving the colonial situation in Cuba and the Philippines, the role of the US media and public opinion, and the strategic interests of the US government.

Cuba and the Philippines were two of the last remaining colonies of Spain in the Americas and Asia, respectively. They were both subjected to harsh and oppressive rule by the Spanish authorities, who exploited their resources and suppressed their nationalist movements. The Cubans and the Filipinos rebelled against Spain several times, seeking independence or autonomy. The US sympathized with their struggle, as it saw itself as a champion of democracy and self-determination. The US also had economic and strategic interests in Cuba and the Philippines, as they were important markets and naval bases for its expanding trade and influence.

The US media played a significant role in shaping public opinion and creating pressure for intervention. The newspapers, especially those owned by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, sensationalized the events in Cuba and the Philippines, depicting them as atrocities committed by a cruel and barbaric enemy. They used yellow journalism, a style of reporting that exaggerated or fabricated facts to attract readers and influence emotions. They also published stories about the USS Maine, a US naval ship that exploded and sank in Havana harbor in February 1898, killing 266 sailors. The media blamed Spain for the incident, although it was later proven to be an accident caused by a faulty boiler. The slogan “Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain” became a rallying cry for war.

The US government also had political and strategic motives for intervening in the conflict. President William McKinley, who was initially reluctant to go to war, faced pressure from his own party, especially from the expansionist faction led by Theodore Roosevelt, who was then Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Roosevelt believed that the US had a duty and a destiny to spread its civilization and values to other peoples, especially those who were oppressed by European powers. He also saw an opportunity to enhance the US military and diplomatic prestige by acquiring new territories and markets in Asia and Latin America. McKinley also wanted to prevent other European powers, such as Germany or Britain, from taking advantage of Spain’s weakness and gaining influence in Cuba or the Philippines.

Consequences of the War

The Spanish-American War lasted for only four months, from April to August 1898. It ended with a decisive victory for the US, which defeated Spain in several naval and land battles in Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Guam, and elsewhere. The Treaty of Paris, signed in December 1898, formalized Spain’s surrender and cession of its colonies to the US. The US acquired Cuba (which became an independent republic under US protection), Puerto Rico (which became a US territory), Guam (which became a US possession), and the Philippines (which became a US colony). The war cost about $250 million for the US and about 2,500 American lives (mostly from disease). It also cost about $300 million for Spain and about 100,000 Spanish lives (mostly from disease).

The war had significant political and social consequences for both sides. For the US, it marked its emergence as a world power with overseas possessions and interests. It also sparked a debate over its role and responsibilities in international affairs. Some Americans supported imperialism, arguing that it was beneficial for both the US and its new subjects. They claimed that it would bring prosperity, security, democracy, civilization, and Christianity to backward peoples. Others opposed imperialism, arguing that it was contrary to both American principles and interests. They claimed that it would violate self-determination,