US Involvement in Cuban War

The United States became involved in the Cuban War of Independence for a variety of reasons, spanning political, economic, and ideological motivations. One key factor was the Monroe Doctrine, a longstanding U.S. policy that aimed to prevent European intervention in the Americas. The U.S. saw the Cuban struggle for independence as an extension of this doctrine, aligning with its goal of promoting democracy in the Western Hemisphere and thwarting European colonialism.

Moreover, the U.S. identified with the Cuban cause due to its own history of fighting for independence from a European power. Seeing Cuba's bid for freedom mirrored its own past struggles, the U.S. government and public felt a sense of solidarity with the Cubans' desire for self-determination and democracy.

The 'Cuba Libre' movement also played a significant role in rallying U.S. support for intervention in Cuba. The movement had strong ties to Florida, where it held fundraising events and organized a successful propaganda campaign that resonated with American audiences. This fueled public sentiment in favor of assisting the Cuban independence fighters.

Economically, the U.S. had vested interests in Cuba, particularly in the sugar industry. American businesses dominated Cuba's sugar production, with 90% of the island's sugar exports going to the U.S. by the 1890s. Additionally, U.S. companies supplied a substantial portion of Cuba's imports, further solidifying economic ties between the two nations and leading the U.S. to protect its economic interests in the region.

The role of the 'yellow press,' a sensationalist form of journalism, cannot be understated in influencing American public opinion towards intervention in Cuba. Media outlets exaggerated reports of Spanish atrocities in Cuba, swaying public sentiment in favor of intervention and creating a sense of moral obligation to intervene on behalf of the suffering Cuban population.

Furthermore, the support of Theodore Roosevelt, who served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy at the time, was crucial in pushing for U.S. involvement in the Cuban conflict. Roosevelt's aggressive stance and advocacy for military intervention played a significant role in shaping U.S. policy towards Cuba, ultimately leading to the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor, which served as the trigger for the Spanish-American War.

In conclusion, the United States became involved in the Cuban War of Independence due to a combination of political, economic, and ideological factors. The Monroe Doctrine, historical parallels with U.S. independence, economic interests, the 'yellow press,' influential figures like Roosevelt, and the sinking of the Maine collectively propelled the U.S. towards intervention in Cuba and ultimately led to its participation in the Spanish-American War.