SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

Spanish-American War

Introduction1

Discussion1

Causes of the Spanish-American War1

Problems of the Spanish-American War had on Spain2

Role of Spanish Crown in the War3

Conclusion3

References4

Spanish-American War

Introduction

The topic under study is related to the problems of Spanish-American War, its causes on Spain and the role that the Spanish crown had on the war. As the name suggests, the Spanish-American war was a dispute between Spain and America which, took place in the year 1989. One of the major reasons for the occurrence of the war was the intervention by America in the independence war of Cuba.

In Cuba, there had been a movement against Spanish hold for years. Americans had a close sight to it. The situation gained severity when in 1897; the opinion of Americans grew stronger against the Spanish atrocities. Although, President McKinley wished to avoid the war but, the sinking of an American Battleship in Havana harbor, created a pressure from Democratic Party for McKinley's government to enter into war (Morgan, 1965). As a result of this, a warning was sent by America to Madrid, in which, the control of Cuba was demanded. Madrid in reply, declined the ultimatum and the war started.

The major issue, due to which the war started, was the independence of Cuba. Initially, the venue of the war was Caribbean and the pacific but, after ten days, the naval power of America, started to act decisively and allowed the United States forces to enter into Cuba which was already in the state of war of independence (Morgan, 1965). Some of the Spanish infantry units showed strong resist but, forces of America, Philippine and Cuba, managed to get control of Santiago de Cuba and Manila.

The result of this War favored more to the United States. Treaty of Paris, which was one of the important results of the war, provided the control of Cuba to the United States. This control was afterwards resulted to a purchase from Spain, the authority over Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines

Discussion

Causes of the Spanish-American War

Independence of Cuba was the major cause of the war. These were the patriots of Cuba, who demanded an independence from the Spanish rule. This movement created American intervention in the issue between 1870's till the end of 1890's. Americas had a focus on the struggle of Cubans and after the 1868 - 1878 war; the opinions of Americans grew angrily. The American investment in Cuba also resulted in devastated losses to the American government. This was also due to the Spanish guerrilla warfare. The United States government knew the importance of the Central American island and the isthmian canal, which was projected there. These were also some of the factors that resulted in the United States intervention. Initially, the Americans, demanded partial control, which was denied and hence resulted in full war.

Although, many of the Americans and the President William McKinley, did not want the war to happen but, the a few incidents, that took place in 1898, created a pressure from Democratic Party for McKinley's government to enter into war (Zimmermann, ...