American History Hit: The Spanish-American War – Detailed Summary

Release Date: November 18, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of American History Hit, host Don Wildman delves into the pivotal yet often underappreciated conflict that reshaped the United States’ position on the global stage: the Spanish-American War. Joining him is Christopher Nichols, a distinguished Professor of History at The Ohio State University and the Wayne Woodrow Hayes Chair of National Security Studies. Nichols, an expert on U.S. foreign relations, brings his insights from his latest work, Ideology in US Foreign Relations, to explore the intricate dynamics of this seven-month war and its lasting impact on American imperialism and global influence.

Background and Causes of the War

The Spanish-American War, officially commencing in April 1898 and concluding with the Treaty of Paris in December of the same year, was ignited primarily by the United States' interest in Cuban independence. However, the roots of the conflict extended much deeper, tracing back to longstanding American concerns over Spanish colonialism and its implications for U.S. security and economic interests.

Early American Expansionism

Don Wildman highlights that the United States, during the late 19th century, was fervently expanding its military and naval capabilities. This period saw American politicians and military leaders eyeing global powers like Germany as rivals, with figures like Teddy Roosevelt expressing a desire for broader conflicts that could project American strength internationally. For instance, Wildman references a note from Roosevelt stating, “I’ll take a war with Spain,” revealing an underlying appetite for extended military engagements beyond the immediate Cuban crisis ([04:12]).

Cuban Struggle for Independence

The U.S.’s involvement in Cuba was deeply influenced by the island's protracted struggle for independence from Spanish rule. Nichols emphasizes that by the late 1800s, five major Cuban revolutions had already occurred, with the most recent beginning in 1895. American sympathies were strongly aligned with the Cuban rebels, partly due to the humanitarian abuses perpetrated by Spanish forces, such as the reconcentration policies that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Cubans ([05:14]).

Media Influence and Public Opinion

A critical factor in the lead-up to the war was the role of "yellow journalism." Wildman explains how sensationalist reporting by publishers like William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer inflamed American public opinion against Spain. Dramatic accounts and political cartoons depicted Spaniards as brutal oppressors, fostering a climate ripe for war ([17:06]). Christopher Nichols notes that this was one of the earliest instances of modern media significantly influencing public sentiment and, consequently, political decisions.

The Sinking of the USS Maine

A pivotal event that escalated tensions was the explosion and sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor on February 1898. Initial suspicions quickly pointed towards Spanish sabotage, fueling the call for war. Nichols provides an in-depth analysis of the subsequent investigations, which, despite forensic efforts, failed to conclusively determine the cause of the explosion. The incident became a catalyst for the U.S. declaring war, encapsulating the volatile mix of strategic interests and public outcry ([14:32]).

Diplomatic Maneuvering and the Teller Act

Before the outbreak of war, President William McKinley sought to negotiate a peaceful resolution, proposing arbitration to end Spanish reconcentration policies. However, the publication of the De Lôme Letter, in which the Spanish ambassador criticized McKinley, undermined these efforts and swayed public opinion further towards war ([18:13]). In April 1898, Congress authorized the use of force, simultaneously passing the Teller Amendment, which declared that the U.S. had no intention of annexing Cuba, instead aiming to leave the island to its inhabitants after securing peace ([20:33]).

Military Campaigns and Key Battles

The war was fought on multiple fronts, including the Caribbean and the Pacific, showcasing America's emerging global military capabilities. Nichols details the strategic operations, such as Admiral George Dewey's decisive victory at the Battle of Manila Bay, which demonstrated the effectiveness of the newly modernized U.S. Navy ([25:54]).

One of the most famous engagements was the Battle of San Juan Hill, where Theodore Roosevelt and his "Rough Riders" played a significant role. Wildman describes the diverse composition of American forces, including African American "Buffalo Soldiers" and volunteers from various backgrounds, highlighting the evolving nature of the U.S. military ([30:16]). The battle, characterized by its intense and somewhat chaotic combat, became emblematic of American bravery and strategic prowess despite logistical challenges like disease and inadequate equipment ([32:06]).

The Mock Battle of Manila

In August 1898, a tactical maneuver known as the "Mock Battle of Manila" occurred. This orchestrated conflict aimed to position American forces favorably against both Spanish troops and Filipino revolutionaries. Nichols explains that this event involved deceptive tactics and resulted in minimal casualties, effectively transferring control of Manila to the United States while sidelining Filipino aspirations for immediate independence ([35:04]).

Consequences and Aftermath

The Treaty of Paris concluded the war, awarding the United States control over former Spanish territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This marked a significant shift, as the U.S. emerged as a colonial power with overseas possessions, a sharp departure from its earlier isolationist tendencies. Wildman discusses the dual legacy of the war: fostering national unity and military modernization on one hand, while simultaneously igniting debates over imperialism and the ethical implications of American expansionism ([42:56]).

Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy

The Spanish-American War set the stage for the United States' future role on the global stage. Nichols posits that the war was a foundational moment for American imperialism, embedding the nation into a trajectory of international interventionism and shaping its diplomatic and military strategies well into the 20th century ([44:43]). The episode also touches on the internal conflicts within the U.S. regarding imperialism, exemplified by the Anti-Imperialist League, which included prominent figures like Mark Twain and W.E.B. Du Bois, who opposed the annexation of territories like the Philippines ([44:28]).

Cultural and Economic Ramifications

Beyond political and military outcomes, the war had significant cultural and economic impacts. Wildman highlights the rise of Army-Navy surplus stores, such as the first one established in New York City by Bannerman, which capitalized on the vast amounts of military goods produced for the war but left unused ([41:25]). This phenomenon illustrates the intersection of military mobilization and private enterprise, shaping consumer culture in the United States.

Conclusion

The Spanish-American War, though brief, was a transformative conflict that propelled the United States into the ranks of global powers. Through strategic military victories, diplomatic negotiations, and the influence of burgeoning media, the war redefined American identity and foreign policy. Don Wildman and Christopher Nichols underscore the war's enduring legacy, emphasizing its role in laying the groundwork for America's 20th-century ascendancy and the complex interplay between humanitarian impulses and imperial ambitions.

Notable Quotes

• Don Wildman ([04:12]): “I’ll take a war with Spain,” revealing an underlying appetite for extended military engagements beyond the immediate Cuban crisis.

• Christopher Nichols ([05:14]): “American observers in the 1890s were deeply sympathetic to the Cuban revolution, especially due to the horrific reconcentration policies imposed by Spain.”

• Don Wildman ([17:06]): “The yellow press...fanning the flames of patriotism and war through sensationalist reporting and political cartoons.”

• Christopher Nichols ([20:33]): “The Teller Amendment was a declaration that the U.S. had no intention of annexing Cuba, aiming instead to leave the island to its inhabitants after securing peace.”

• Don Wildman ([30:16]): “Pershing eventually becomes the highest commander until Eisenhower, a testament to the evolving nature of the U.S. military leadership.”

Closing Remarks

Professor Christopher Nichols concludes the episode by reflecting on the Spanish-American War's pivotal role in shaping modern American diplomacy and military strategy. The dialogue between Wildman and Nichols offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of how this "splendid little war," as Secretary of State John Hay called it, served as a crucible for the United States' transformation into a global powerhouse.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to American History Hit for more in-depth explorations of America's past, ensuring a nuanced appreciation of the events that have shaped the nation.

Further Listening

For those interested in exploring more about the complexities of American history, American History Hit features a wide array of episodes that delve into topics ranging from pre-colonial times to modern-day political movements. Don Wildman continues to bring history to life with engaging discussions and expert interviews, making it an essential listen for history enthusiasts.