Chapter 20 Study GuideMr. Rose

Mush

U.S.S Maine

A US battleship sunk in the Havana (Cuba) harbor in 1898. The ship was there to provide protection for American interests in Cuba during riots.

Yellow Journalism

An exaggerated style of reporting, with sensationalist news stories, including news from other countries.

Anti-Imperialist League

An organization formed during the war that believed imperialism violated the principles of freedom and democracy that the country was founded on.

Question 1

Mass media, especially newspapers, sensationalized their reports as a way to gain readers. They often stretched the truth about events, like the Cuban rebellion against Spain. This led to a wave of public support for Cuba, and a call for the U.S. to help the rebels.

Question 2

The U.S. gained territory: Puerto Rico and Guam were ceded to the U.S. by Spain, and the Philippines for $20 million.

Question 3

The treaty ultimately solidified the U.S. as a world power. After a debate about the ratification of the Treaty of Paris in the Senate, the treaty was ratified and the U.S. now had an empire, with territory around the world.

Question 4

The Platt Amendment allowed concessions to the U.S. after the U.S. agreed to pull its troops out of Cuba in 1902. It allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs and to buy/lease land for naval bases. Most of these measures were put in place to protect lucrative American interests in Cuba.