The US decision to go to war against Spain was not influenced by Spain’s refusal to sell Cuba.
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The US decision to go to war against Spain in 1898 was influenced by various factors, including economic interests, sympathy for the Cuban independence movement, and political maneuvering. However, one factor that did not contribute to this decision was Spain’s refusal to sell Cuba.
According to historian Robert H. Whealey, “The United States decision to go to war against Spain resulted from a combination of strategic, economic, and cultural factors. Military strategists coveted Spain’s remaining overseas empire, which consisted of Cuba and Puerto Rico in the Caribbean and the Philippines, Guam, and other small islands in the Pacific.”
Furthermore, the American public was sympathetic to the Cuban independence movement and outraged by Spanish atrocities against Cuban civilians. This sentiment was fueled by sensationalist media coverage, particularly in newspapers owned by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer.
Additionally, there were political considerations at play. President William McKinley was facing pressure from both the pro-expansionist wing of the Republican Party and the anti-imperialist Democratic Party. By going to war with Spain, McKinley hoped to distract from domestic issues and unify the country.
Interestingly, the decision to go to war was not without opposition. Prominent individuals such as Mark Twain, Andrew Carnegie, and William Jennings Bryan spoke out against the war, arguing that it was motivated by greed and imperialism rather than a desire for freedom.
To summarize, while Spain’s refusal to sell Cuba may have been a contributing factor in earlier discussions about US intervention in the region, it was not the primary reason for the decision to go to war in 1898. The factors that ultimately led to the war were complex and multi-layered, shaped by strategic, economic, cultural, and political considerations.
Table:
| Factors | Description |
|——–|————-|
| Strategic | Military strategists coveted Spain’s overseas empire for its strategic value |
| Economic | The US had economic interests in the region, particularly in the sugar industry |
| Cultural | The American public was sympathetic to the Cuban independence movement |
| Political | President McKinley was facing pressure from both pro-expansionist and anti-imperialist factions within his party |
Quote:
“The United States decision to go to war against Spain resulted from a combination of strategic, economic, and cultural factors.” – Robert H. Whealey
Associated video
This video delves into the reason behind why Franco was never removed from power by the Allies after World War II. Despite being demanded to be ousted by the USSR, the Western powers did not want to justify another war to their people and Franco made supporters among the other Western allies. Another reason for the Allies not taking action against Franco was that they were more focused on combating the spread of communism in the east, something that Franco could assist with.
Some additional responses to your inquiry
What did not contribute to the U.S. decision to go to war against Spain? The Spanish attack on Puerto Rico.
the Spanish attack on Puerto Rico
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