Cuba was colonized by Spain - think 1492 By 19th only Cuba and Puerto Rico still colonies of Spain

in the Carribean; Spain controlled the Philippines & Guam in the Pacific

U.S. had business interests in Cuba-$50 million Cuban rebels fight for independence.

1892 Jose Marti – wants Cuban Independence▪ Starts rebellion destroying land (American owned businesses)

General Weyler (Spain general sent to Cuba) institutes Reconcentration & Martial Law (1896)

Lots of news stories about Cuba De Lome Letter (1898) Jan 25, 1898 President McKinley sent The Maine to

Cuba (1898) …. Why? Did he have a right? February 15,1898 Maine explodes – 266 died May 1898 – USA declares war

This song was rushed into print between the sinking of the Maine on February 16, 1898 and the declaration of war on April 25, 1898.

Eagle soar on high, and sound the battle cry!

How proudly sailed the warship Maine, a Nation’s pride, without a stain! A wreck she lies, her sailors slain.

By two-faced butchers, paid by Spain!

Eagle soar on high, And sound the battle cry

Wave the starry flag! In mud it shall not drag!

According to the song, who sunk the Maine? What does this song reveal about American attitudes?

Does this mean it is true?

DESTRUCTION OF THE WAR SHIP MAINE WAS THE WORK OF AN ENEMY

Assistant Secretary Roosevelt Convinced the Explosion of the War Ship Was Not an Accident.

The Journal Offers $50,000 Reward for the Conviction of the Criminals Who Sent 258 American Sailors to Their Death. Naval Officers Unanimous That the Ship Was Destroyed on Purpose.

 NAVAL OFFICERS THINK THE MAINE WAS

DESTROYED BY A SPANISH MINE.

MAINE’S HULL WILL DECIDE

Divers to Find Whether the Force of the Explosion Was from the Exterior or Interior.

SHE WAS AFLOAT FOR AN HOURSpontaneous Combustion in Coal

Bunkers a Frequent Peril to the Magazines of Warships – Hard to Blow Up the Magazine.

Do you know what happened to the Maine? What evidence do you have for your answer? Give an

example where the reporter uses solid evidence to support a claim made in the article.

Do you think these articles would have been received differently by their readers in 1898? How so?

What effect might the Journal article have had on its readers?

What effect might the Times article have had on its readers?

How significant do you think the Maine explosion was to the American people at this time? Why?

Which would the people want to believe?