American History Hit The Spanish-American War
Nov 18, 2024
Christopher McKnight Nichols, a historian and expert on U.S. foreign relations, dives deep into the Spanish-American War. He reveals how the conflict marked a turning point for American expansionism and its emergence as a world power. Nichols discusses the role of public sentiment and the press, the strategic brilliance of figures like Teddy Roosevelt, and the complex racial dynamics at play. He also explores the ramifications of American imperialism, particularly in the Philippines and Puerto Rico, highlighting the war's lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy.
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US War Aims
- The U.S. desired a war, but Spain was an unexpected target.
- Politicians sought conflict with rising powers like Germany, but Cuba had been a long-standing concern.
Cuban History
- Americans didn't fully grasp Cuba's long struggle for independence from Spanish colonialism.
- Regular rebellions were a constant in Cuba.
American Sympathy and Yellow Journalism
- Americans sympathized with Cuba, viewing Spain's actions as cruel and oppressive, fueled by figures like José Martí.
- The Yellow Press sensationalized events, portraying Cuba as a feminized victim and Spain as a racialized aggressor.