In the 1890s, Cuba wanted to get their freedom from Spain. People like Jose Marti petitioned Americans to side with the Cubans and the poor treatment they were receiving from Spain. Also, there was a lot of support in the newspapers called "yellow journalism" where American people were sympathizing with the cause to go against Spain in war. This especially was true with a man nicknamed "The Butcher", Valeriano Weyler, who was a military leader from Spain placed in Cuba to put people in concentration camps.
As a result, America felt a strong sense of patriotism and business reasons to go to war with Spain. After the <em>USS Maine</em> exploded, the United States declared war on Spain.
A similar situation happened in the Philippines, where Spain had a high influence and America did want to free the Philippines from Spain, but then also had their own agenda to take over the Philippines, as it was in a strategic location in the Pacific for trade.
He desegregated the military with an executive order
<u>The Spanish-American war:</u>
The United States was not prepared for the war. Even though Americans had those enthusiastic spirit, they desperately lacked military strength. The United States Army was not prepared and aware.
They were understaffed, under equipped and under trained. The United States emerged as a world power after the result of victory over Spain in Spanish American War.
The United States gained possession over Guam, Puerto Rico and Philippines after the war. They also gained temporary control of Cuba. The United States also annexed the independent state of Hawaii during the conflict.
It was seen as unconstitutional.
