America’s Participation in the Spanish-American War

The Spanish–American War took place between April and August 1898. It was an armed military conflict between Spain and the United States. It was fought over the issue of the liberation of Cuba. The war began after America demanded for resolution of the Cuban fight for independence and it was rejected by Spain.

“The revolution in Havana prompted the United States to send in the warship USS Maine to indicate high national interest. Tension among the American people was raised because of the explosion of the USS Maine, and the yellow journalist newspapers that accused the Spanish of oppression in their colonies, agitating American public opinion. The war ended after victories for the United States in the Philippine Islands and Cuba.”

On December 10, 1898, the signing of the Treaty of Paris gave the United States control of Cuba, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam. This treaty began a new long standing relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico. Another long- term effect of the Treaty of Paris was that many Puerto Ricans immigrated to the US, especially New York City.


On August 7 1898, the American forces began to leave Cuba. The biggest problem now was yellow fever. This disease had quickly spread among the American occupation force,which resulted in it becoming extremely damaged. A group of officers of the American army chose Theodore Roosevelt to draft a request to Washington telling it to withdraw the Army.

The evacuation, however, was not complete. The Army kept the black Ninth Infantry Regiment in Cuba to support the occupation. The logic behind this was their race and the fact that many black volunteers came from southern states would protect them. This led to these soldiers being nicknamed “Immunes”. Still, by the time the Ninth left, 73 of the 984 soldiers had become infected with the disease.

The war marked the beginning of America being involved in world affairs. Ever since, the United States has had a significant part in conflicts around the world, and entered into many treaties and agreements. The United States then entered a lengthy and prosperous period of economic and population growth. This period also consisted of technological innovation that lasted through the 1920s.