America's Expansion in 1890

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Explain why the USA declared war on Spain in 1898? There are many reasons why America declared war on Spain in 1898, the media; the idea of expanding America and Monroe doctrine were all factors that influenced the war to be declared. The origin of war mainly started in Cuba which had good trade links with America as their economy was dependent on America by exporting tobacco and sugar and also Cuba is really closely allocated to America. America had good trade links with Cuba which is why they gained the sympathy of American businessmen and markets. The USA was influenced to war heavily by Cuba, which was still part of Spain’s American empire, In 1895 Cuba wanted to become independent however it was still under the Spanish control which made it hard to become free. When Cuban nationalists, led by Jose Marti, began a revolt against Spanish rule they were backed by America however they were quickly dealt with by the Spanish army. The president at the time William McKinley also believed in the moral perspective of the Whiteman’s burden so they supported the Cuban population. The harsh methods of the Spanish (to stop the Cuban revolt) were criticised by the Americans, where there was a strong support for American intervention in Cuba. In February 1989 those who were seeking intervention got a big opportunity as the warship, the USS Maine, was blown up whilst stationed on the harbour of Havana. All the evidence weighs up to the fact that the ship was blown up by an internal explosion but the USA used this event and were convinced that the Spanish wanted to go to war with America. This was a huge factor and the big final push to America which is why they declared war on Spain alongside other influences. The media at the time which was The ‘Yellow press’ a newspaper owned by William Randolph Hearst was thought to be one of the main causes of the Spanish
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