Captain Alfred Mahan and his book “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History” said that control of the sea was the key to world dominance…
When discussing the importance of Spanish alliances, it is important to discuss Matthew Restall’s interpretation of “the myth of the white conquistador”. A common myth in regards to the Spanish Conquest is that the Aztecs were conquered by a small group of white Spanish men. Within Restall’s book titled “Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest”, he debunks the myth of the white conquistadors. Restall’s argues that “there is no doubt that the Spanish were consistently outnumbered by native enemies on the battlefield. But what has so often been ignored or forgotten is the fact that Spaniards tended also to be outnumbered by their own native allies. Furthermore, the invisible warriors of this myth took an additional form, that of the Africans, free and enslave, who accompanied Spanish…
As the soldiers moved towards San Juan and Kettle Hill, the Spaniards hiding in trenches attacked. This caused many more casualties among the Americans and the remaining American troops dropped to the ground and took cover. Colonel Theodore Roosevelt with the Rough Riders empowered men to charge the Spaniards by attacking them directly. Lieutenant Jules Ord with the 1st Brigade ran up the hill to attack the Spaniards and yelled at his men to “follow me! We can’t stay here!” Lieutenant John Parker with the Gatling detachment was a machine gun enthusiast who hurried behind LT Ord. He led his Gatling detachment to conduct shaping operations for LT Ords brigade. With the initiative of these officers and their units, the Spaniards retreated to Santiago, and the Americans won the Battle of San Juan Hill on July 1, 1898. After accomplishing this mission, MAJ General Shafter was able to seize Santiago. This action caused the Spaniards to retreat to the sea and back to…
Although many people at the time disagreed with the actions of Teddy Roosevelt, he played a very important role in the Spanish-American war by not only preparing the navy, but on the front lines of combat as well. Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States of America, had a huge impact on the Spanish-American war in many ways. The war also had a huge impact on Theodore Roosevelt’s political career in many ways, and some would say helped him become president. Theodore Roosevelt's actions as assistant secretary of the navy were vital to the quick success of the American Navy in the Spanish-America war; he basically single-handedly prepared the navy for war. Theodore urged President McKinley to war, he felt as though it was America's duty to stand up for Cuba. And once the Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, Teddy went war crazy. After he had finished preparing the navy for what seemed to an inevitable war, Theodore Roosevelt resigned as the assistant secretary to the navy to go fight on the front lines. He was 2nd in command of a legendary regiment nicknamed "The Rough Riders." The regiment was a part of many battles including the battle of San Juan Hill, having a huge impact on the front lines.…
The Spanish American War is simply an abomination of American morals and ideals. Spain and the United States are currently in conflict, as a result of American intervention in Cuba. America has yet again impressed its indomitable will upon fledgling nations, and in this case, one that did not even need “help” especially since it was already under Spanish control, regardless of how relaxed or ineffective that role may have been.…
Mathew Restall’s Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest is a well-written book that serves an important purpose. That purpose being: the debunking of generally accepted falsehoods about the Spanish Conquest beginning in the 15th century. Restall’s book is separated into seven chapters that specifically address general myths most historians and students perceive as basic --- universal truths. Restall uses the term “myth” to describe the inaccurate/fictitious depiction of history “commonly taken to be true, partially or absolutely.” These “myths” are the progenitors of unintentionally self-centered perceptions of events historically recorded in subjectivity. The Self-absorption, relating to the…
The Rough RIders are linked to the Cuban War for Independence because they took over San Juan Hill during the war between Cuba and…
Troops sailed for Cuba and attacked Ft. Santiago in the Battle of San Juan Hill. TR led his calvary unit (Rough Riders) and won the battle.…
_Myths of the Spanish Conquest_ is broken into seven chapters, each dedicated to a different myth or mis-conception regarding the Spanish conquest. In debunking these myths, Matthew Restall works with three themes regarding the conquest. First, that the European discovery of the Americas was one of the greatest events in human history. Second, that the conquest was the achievement of "a few great men," which he subsequently describes as "a handful of adventurers." These two themes lead to a third theme, or question. "If history's greatest event - the European discovery and conquest of the Americas - was achieved by a mere "handful of adventurers," how did they do it?"…
The Spanish American War had a huge impact on American history because of the strength Theodore Roosevelt led with. America was slowly changing from isolationism to imperialism and expansionism. Before his presidency he was a war hero and after his career, he was known for his fairness and intelligent thinking. During President Roosevelt’s career he was beneficial before and after his presidency because of his leadership skills because he stood up for his beliefs.…
According to pbs.org, Theodore Roosevelt’s strong approach to foreign policy began during his term as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President William McKinley. He advocated war against Spain and mobilized the Navy while his boss was away. When the U.S. declared war on Spain, Roosevelt assembled the Rough Riders and led the First Volunteer Cavalry to victory on Cuba's San Juan Hill in 1898.…
ROUGH RIDERS Ben Kerfoot 3/7/02 Per. 5 The Rough Riders were the most famous of all the units fighting in Cuba during the Spanish, American war. The Spanish, American war started by America wanting to expand their influence in the western hemisphere. To do that they would need to gain action politically or militarily in Cuba (a Spanish ruled country).…
Something they felt behind other countries thus far. The Spanish - American War ended with the Treaty of Paris signed. The treaty granted independence of Cuba, along with Spain handing over Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States. They United States also paid Spain 20 million dollars for control of the Philippines.…
The Spanish-American War was not a random act of violence. There were many aspects that helped to lead to the beginning of the war. In 1868, Cuba and Spain had a war, Ten Years’ War, fighting for Cuba’s independence. The war did not end with Cuba gaining their independence, but the Cubans were not going to stop trying. In 1895, Jose Marti landed in Cuba to begin a war. However, a few weeks later, Marti was killed by Spaniards. The cry “Cuba Libre”, meaning, free Cuba, is associated with Marti and his attempt to gain independence; after this mishap with Marti, Spain sent 200,000 soldiers to try to stop Cubans from creating a rebellion.…
The Spanish-American War was a four-month conflict between Spain and the United States, provoked by word of Spanish colonial brutality in Cuba. Although the war was largely brought about by the efforts of U.S. expansionists, many Americans supported the idea of freeing an oppressed people controlled by the Spanish. At war's end, America emerged victorious with newly acknowledged respect as a world power.…