The Splendid Little War

The Splendid Little War

February 15th, 1898, all is quiet in Havana Harbor. The crew of the USS Maine is sound asleep less a few solitary watchmen. The brackish sea air and the calm ocean breeze are soothing and peaceful. This would hardly suggest the terror about to erupt on this “peaceful” visit to the Spanish-controlled Cuban harbor. At 9:45PM, a violent explosion rips the Maine apart sending it plummeting down to the muddy sea floor and killing nearly all of her crew. All of the Spanish boats in the harbor rushed to the aid of the American vessel and its survivors: the commander, Captain Charles D. Sigsbee, and a few lucky crewmembers. Even though Captain Sigsbee, a favorite of the Naval Department, urged President McKinley not to react in an aggressive manner toward Spain, the media, namely New York newspaper editors Pulitzer and Hearst, already inflating current issues relating to the Cuban revolution, spin the incident out of control. The American public goes mad with suspicion of Spanish fowl play and the sinking of the USS Maine serves as the immediate catalyst to the Spanish-American war.

This “Splendid Little War” is deeply rooted in Spain’s rule over Cuba as a colony infringing upon American interests in Cuban agriculture and goods. The first episodes of war-like acts between the U.S. and Spain began with the explosion of the USS Maine in 1898. After the catastrophe, many attempts to solve the mystery behind the explosion and withhold peace took place, including the ambassadors of England, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Russia, and the Pope appealing to president McKinley for peace. Despite numerous efforts against it, McKinley asks congress for war April 11, 1898 and U.S. troops mobilized on April 16. The Teller amendment passes through Congress stating that the U.S. would not annex Cuba. Congress declares Cuba independent on April 19. Shortly after the United States Navy blockades Cuba the first Spanish ship was taken. By April 25, both Spain and the U.S. declare war. The Spanish-American War was an extremely quick war, highlighted in history by Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders in the battle of San Juan Hill. Spain was completely stomped. On the way to capture the Philippine Islands, Spain’s most worthwhile colony U.S. Naval forces also capture Guam. Closer to home, the U.