What did Proctor describe in his observations of the war-torn island?
In matter-of-fact and unsensational language, Proctor described his observations of the war-torn island: the suffering and death in the reconcentration areas, the devastation elsewhere, and the evident inability of the Spanish to crush the rebellion.
How did the Cuban war affect the U.S.?
The war originated in the Cuban struggle for independence from Spain, which began in February 1895. The Cuban conflict was injurious to U.S. investments in the island, which were estimated at $50 million, and almost ended U.S. trade with Cuban ports, normally valued at $100 million annually. On the insurgent side, the war was waged largely against property and led to the destruction of sugarcane and sugar mills. Of more importance than its effect on U.S. monetary interests was the appeal to American humanitarian sentiment. Under the Spanish commander, Capt. Gen. Valeriano Weyler y Nicolau (nicknamed El Carnicero, “the Butcher”), Cubans were herded into so-called “reconcentration areas” in and around the larger cities; those who remained at large were treated as enemies. Spanish authorities made no adequate provision for shelter, food, sanitation, or medical care for the reconcentrados, thousands of whom died from exposure, hunger, and disease. These conditions were graphically portrayed for the U.S. public by sensational newspapers, notably Joseph Pulitzer ’s New York World and William Randolph Hearst ’s recently founded New York Journal. Humanitarian concern for the suffering Cubans was added to the traditional American sympathy for a colonial people struggling for independence. While these aspects of the war created a widespread popular demand for action to halt it, the U.S. was faced with the necessity of patrolling coastal waters to prevent gunrunning to the insurgents and by demands for aid from Cubans who had acquired U.S. citizenship and then had been arrested by Spanish authorities for participating in the rebellion.
What countries called on McKinley to refrain from armed intervention in Cuba?
On April 6 representatives of Germany, Austria, France, Great Britain, Italy, and Russia called upon McKinley and begged him in the name of humanity to refrain from armed intervention in Cuba. McKinley assured them that if intervention came, it would be in the interest of humanity.
How did the Spanish American War end?
How did the Spanish-American War end? Spain’s military was outmatched from the opening of hostilities, and an armistice signed on August 12, 1898, brought an end to the fighting. The United States occupied Cuba and took possession of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. The bloody struggle for independence in the Philippines resumed in 1899, ...
What would Spain do instead of accepting U.S. mediation?
Instead of accepting U.S. mediation, it would seek the pacification of the island through the Cuban cortes about to be elected under the autonomy program. Spain at first stated that an armistice would be granted only on application from the insurgents but on April 9 announced one on its own initiative.
What was the Spanish government caught on the horns of?
The Spanish government was caught upon the horns of a cruel dilemma. It had not readied its army or navy for war with the United States, nor had it warned the Spanish public of the necessity of relinquishing Cuba. War meant certain disaster.
What was the popular demand for intervention to stop the war and assure Cuban independence?
In the spring of 1896 both the Senate and the House of Representatives declared by concurrent resolution that belligerent rights should be accorded the insurgents.
What was the significance of the Spanish American War?
Although the Spanish-American War of 1898 was a relatively short and bloodless conflict, it set the stage for the emergence of the United States as a world power. The United States' victory over Spain ensured American dominance of the Caribbean and secured several new territorial possessions.
Which territories did the Spanish-American War control?
New Territories. At the conclusion of the Spanish-American War, Spain ceded control of Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico and Guam remain U.S. territories, while the Philippines eventually became an independent nation.
Who is Nick Robinson?
Writer Bio. Nick Robinson is a writer, instructor and graduate student. Before deciding to pursue an advanced degree, he worked as a teacher and administrator at three different colleges and universities, and as an education coach for Inside Track. Most of Robinson's writing centers on education and travel. Related Articles.
