Military and Political Development of USA



Military and Political Development of USA

The Spanish-American War has been known to have a high political and military significance in the context of American history. It began from a compassionate effort on the part of USA to free Cuba from Spain's colonial authority and USA itself had been guilty of becoming a colonial power on the lines of Spain. There was a massive emergence of a guerrilla war with Filipinos who were also seeking freedom from the clasp of colonial powers. The American Foreign Policy has been known to have huge implications on the historic events and thus the role of American foreign policy needs to be considered on a comprehensive note. The American foreign policy relies on addressing a dual agenda. The Monroe Doctrine has been known to play a significant role in terming Spain's dominance in Cuba as being highly unacceptable. On the other hand, the significant efforts made by USA to continue opening doors towards Asia since it would make Philippines as being a lucrative market in terms of forming a basis for China.

According to Secretary of State, John Hay “a splendid little war; begun with the highest motives, carried on with magnificent intelligence and spirit, favored by that fortune which loves the brave.” (pp. 525).

The quote above represents the aspect of splendidness associated with the war. He has further acknowledged the fact that the war was characterized by a variety of things. It started off with the significant motives and progressed further with the huge amount of intelligence and spirit. Huge degree of bravery was witnessed with the progression of the war and fortune only favours those who are brave enough to take advantage of the chances surrounding them.

According to Theodore Roosevelt, “We will have this war for the freedom of Cuba, Senator Hanna, in spite of the timidity of commercial interests.” (pp. 525).

The significance of Cuban economy had been of a very high significance since the commercial aspect associated with them was too huge a factor to be ignored. Roosevelt was of the view that the war had significant importance for the freedom of Cuba and thus the commercial motives associated with them should be ignored keeping the interests of Cuban economy in mind.

According to General William Shafter, “Cuba is not fit for self-government than gun-powder is for hell.” (pp. 526).

One Cuba was freed from Spanish dominance, they had been unable to gain full autonomy. General William Shafter was of the view that Cuba was incapable of governing itself. As a result, USA decided on adopting a Cuban constitution to successfully assist them in governing themselves in an efficient manner. The Platt Amendment has been one of the most significant constitutions developed in the context of American and Cuban relations. With the application of this amendment, USA had the right to take all the necessary steps for ensuring Cuba's independence. It also had the right to intervene in Cuba for the sake of ...