Spanish American War Summary

In 1897, the President of the United States, William McKinley, was conflicted with declaring war on the country of Spain. At the time, the United States had significant interest in the country of Cuba. They had both genuine humanitarian concern over the continued Spanish misrule and economic interests.1 Although the American people wanted a war declaration, McKinley was looking for a more peaceful approach to liberate Cuba. In early 1898, the Cuban insurgents were fighting for their independence, and the USS Maine was sent to Havana to protect those within the city.2 During the early morning hours on February 15, there was an explosion, which led to the sinking of the ship and ultimately the death of over 260 American men. Despite supporting evidence never being discovered, the Americans were determined the Spanish were the cause of the explosion. The propaganda and publications driven by ‘yellow journalism’ drove the American public, who encouraged their hesitant President to go to war and move the Spanish out of Cuba.
In June of 1898, the American forces were gathering in Tampa, Florida, in preparation for embarkation to Cuba. Major General William Rufus Shafter was appointed the commander of the 15,000 troops that would compose the US Army V Corps. The Americans gathered from all around the country, most of which had never trained or