Spanish American War Study Guide #5
1. What were the causes of the Spanish American War, nicknamed a "splendid little war"?
a. Protection of American business interests,
especially sugar plantations.
b. American support for Cuban rebels' desire for
independence from Spain. Cubans wanted their
independence, and the United States was sympathetic
to their wishes.
c. Rising tensions between Spain and the United
States as a result of the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine
in Havana Harbor. Many people in the United States
blamed Spain for sinking this ship; investigation
years later proved that the explosion was actually an
accident.
d. Exaggerated reports of events; yellow journalism.
Reporters were encouraged by newspaper publishers
like William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer to stretch the truth, making the stories “more
interesting” and thus selling more papers. Hearst famously told one reporter: “You furnish the
pictures, and I’ll furnish the war.”
2. What were the results of the Spanish American War?
a. The United States emerged as a world power. The quick victory over another world power
earned the United States respect around the globe.
b. Cuba gained its independence from Spain.
c. The United States gained possession of the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico. These lands
became territories of the United States, and were under United States control.
3. How did Theodore Roosevelt impact the United States' foreign policy?
a. He expanded the Monroe Doctrine as a way to prevent European involvement in Latin
American countries. Its official name was Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine.
Roosevelt believed this document would help the United States maintain control over the
Western Hemisphere.
b. Roosevelt believed that the United States should "speak softly and carry a big stick". He
believed that nations should try to solve differences peacefully, but if that did not work, he
thought the United States should use its powerful navy to force its will on other nations. This was
nicknamed Big Stick Diplomacy.
c. Roosevelt ensured the building of the Panama Canal using Big Stick Diplomacy. He helped
the Panamanian people gain independence in exchange for allowing the United States to build
the canal through their country.
4. What was the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine?
a. It asserted that the United States’ right to interfere in the economic matters of other nations in
the Americas. Since the United States had money and resources invested in Latin American
countries, it wanted to ensure that those investments were protected.
b. It claimed the United States’ right to exercise international police power over nations in the
Western Hemisphere.
5. Spanish American War Cost/Benefit Analysis
• What incentives did the United States have to go to war with Spain over Cuba?
o Protect American business interests
o Support Cuban rebels’ desire for independence from Spain
o Avenge the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine as registered in public opinion
• What were the costs for the United States in going to war with Spain?
o Loss of life
o Monetary costs
o Time and energy
• What were the consequences for the United States in going to war with Spain?
o The United States would have easier access to a large trading partner: China
o Loss of life
o Acquisition of new territories/Cuban independence
• Which of the above consequences are benefits? Circle and explain why below.
o Acquisition of new territories
o United States becomes a world power
o Greater access to the largest trading “prize”: China