Spanish-American War

As the 19th century drew to a close, Americans became increasingly concerned about affairs in Spanish-held Cuba, a tiny island located just 90 miles off the coast of Florida. Humanitarians were disturbed at Spain's treatment of Cuban citizens. Businessmen who owned large sugar and cattle interests in Cuba feared that continuing internal strife there would adversely affect their financial holdings. Expansionists eyed Cuba as a target for possible takeover. As a war of words between the U.S. and Spain escalated, newspaper publishers, bent on outselling rivals, fanned the flames of anti-Spanish sentiment with sensationalist headlines. In February 1898, the U.S.S. Maine mysteriously exploded in Havana Harbor, killing 260 U.S. sailors. Convinced that the Maine's destruction was an act of Spanish aggression, Congress demanded in April that Spain evacuate Cuba. Days later, Spain declared war on the U.S. Using a fascinating array of contemporary maps, newspapers, political cartoons, letters, diary pages, charts, illustrations and photographs, this Jackdaw provides students with an in-depth look at the causes and far-reaching effects of the Spanish-American War, America's shortest of all foreign campaigns. Students will view a detailed timeline of events from the year 1898, between January 17 and December 10. This portfolio includes a Study Guide with reproducible student activities and response key. 4 Illustrated Broadsheet Essays: * "Remember the Maine!" * The Battle for the Philippine Islands * The Cuban Campaign * The Rough Riders 15 Primary Source Documents: * Goff's Historical Map of the Spanish-American War in the West Indies, 1898 * Strategic Map of Our War with Spain, 1898 * Theodore Roosevelt Letter to Colonel Frank Greene, January 13, 1898 * Copy of Theodore Roosevelt Cablegram to Commodore George Dewey, February 26, 1898 * Declaration of War with Spain, April 25, 1898 * Cover of Sheet Music for "We'll Stand by the Flag," 1898 * Page 1 and 2 of the Atlanta Constitution, May 2, 1898 * Political Cartoons of the Spanish-American War * Photo Poster: The War in Cuba * Map of the San Juan Battlefield * "Sergeant-Major Pullen of the 25th Infantry Describes the Conduct of the Negro Soldiers Around El Caney," 1899 * Discharge Papers of Private Pleasant Abel Creswell, October 31, 1898 * Tables Showing Strength of Volunteer Forces and Losses from All Causes * Illustrations Showing Insignia and Equipment Worn by American Troops * Excerpt from an Anti-Imperialism Speech by William Jennings Bryan, February 22, 1899