The Spanish-American War: U.S. Support for Cuban Independence in 1898
TITLE
‘The United States went to war with Spain in 1898 in support of the independence movement in Cuba.
ESSAY
The statement "The United States went to war with Spain in 1898 in support of the independence movement in Cuba" captures one perspective on a complex historical event. While there is certainly validity to the argument that the US supported Cuba's independence movement, there were also other significant factors that contributed to the decision to go to war with Spain in 1898.
Agreeing with the statement, it is clear that the Cuban independence movement was a key factor that influenced US involvement in the conflict. The brutal tactics employed by Spain in attempting to crush the rebellion in Cuba, as described by President McKinley as 'extermination', stirred public sympathy and outrage in the US. The sensationalist reporting of Spanish atrocities by the 'yellow press' further fueled public opinion in favor of intervention to help the Cubans achieve their independence, aligning with the principles of democracy and self-determination that the US was founded on. The desire to support a fellow pro-independence movement was a significant motivating factor for the US in going to war with Spain in 1898.
On the other hand, the decision to go to war also had other considerations beyond just support for Cuban independence. The US government initially sought a peaceful resolution to the conflict and attempted to negotiate with Spain. However, Spain's failure to make any meaningful progress towards reform ultimately led to the breakdown of diplomacy. Additionally, some US industrialists saw economic opportunities in the Caribbean, especially after the closing of the Western frontier, which may have influenced the decision to go to war with Spain.
Furthermore, the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor, which the US government blamed on Spanish authorities, served as a catalyst for war, though the exact cause of the incident remains disputed. This event provided a 'casus belli' for the US to enter into conflict with Spain, regardless of the underlying motivations.
In conclusion, while the support for the Cuban independence movement was a significant factor in the US decision to go to war with Spain in 1898, there were also other considerations at play. The conflict was influenced by a combination of humanitarian concerns, economic interests, and geopolitical considerations, making it a complex and multifaceted event in US history.
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The United States went to war with Spain in 1898 in support of the independence movement in Cuba.
How far do you agree with this statement?
Indicative content:
Whilst there had been a civil war in Cuba for several years with some support for the independence movement from the US, there were also a lot of ulterior motives.
Agree:
- Civil war began in 1895 and Spain adopted extreme measures to try and crush the rebellion.
- McKinley described the tactics used as ‘not civil war but extermination’.
- Public sympathy was raised by the ‘yellow press’ which condemned Spain and agitated public opinion with dramatic reporting of Spanish atrocities.
- This led to growing public pressure for intervention to help the Cubans gain their independence in line with the founding principles of the US.
Disagree:
- There were other considerations in the US decision to go to war.
- It supported the underlying principles of the Monroe Doctrine.
- US government did not want war and tried to reach a negotiated settlement between the two sides. But when, despite repeated promises, Spain failed to make any progress towards reform, US patience ran out.
- Some US industrialists saw a growing role for US business in the Caribbean now that the occupation of territory in the West had been completed (closing of the Frontier).
- The trigger was the sinking of the US battleship Maine in Havana harbour which the US government blamed on the Spanish authorities and used as a ‘casus bellum’ though the cause of the incident has never been conclusively demonstrated.
Accept any other valid responses.