Spanish american war worksheet pdf – The Spanish-American War Worksheet PDF provides an in-depth look at the historical context, major battles, and lasting impact of this pivotal conflict. Delve into the tensions that led to war, analyze the strategies and tactics employed by both sides, and explore the political, economic, and social consequences of this transformative event.

This comprehensive worksheet offers a structured framework for understanding the Spanish-American War, making it an invaluable resource for students, educators, and history enthusiasts alike.

Historical Context of the Spanish-American War: Spanish American War Worksheet Pdf

The Spanish-American War was a brief but decisive conflict that erupted in 1898 between the United States and Spain. The war had its roots in a series of long-standing tensions between the two countries, particularly over the issue of Cuba, a Spanish colony that had been struggling for independence for decades.

Tensions between the United States and Spain

• Economic rivalry: The United States was rapidly expanding economically and was eager to gain control of new markets, while Spain was struggling to maintain its colonial empire.
• Political instability in Cuba: The Cuban rebellion against Spanish rule had dragged on for years, and the United States feared that a prolonged conflict could threaten its interests in the region.
• Yellow journalism: American newspapers played a major role in煽动public opinion against Spain, publishing sensationalized stories about Spanish atrocities in Cuba.

Timeline of Key Events

1. 1895:Cuban rebellion against Spanish rule begins.
2. 1898:The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor prompts the United States to declare war on Spain.
3. May 1898:The Battle of Manila Bay destroys the Spanish fleet in the Philippines.
4. July 1898:The Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba results in a decisive American victory.
5. August 1898:Spain surrenders and signs the Treaty of Paris, ending the war.

Role of the Cuban Rebellion

The Cuban rebellion was a major factor in the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. The United States had long been sympathetic to the Cuban cause, and the rebellion provided an opportunity to intervene in the conflict and assert its own interests in the region.

Major Battles and Campaigns

The Spanish-American War was a short but intense conflict, marked by several key battles and campaigns that shaped its outcome.

Battle of Manila Bay

The Battle of Manila Bay was a decisive naval engagement that took place on May 1, 1898, in Manila Bay, Philippines. The American fleet, led by Commodore George Dewey, destroyed the Spanish fleet, effectively ending Spanish naval power in the Pacific.

Battle of San Juan Hill

The Battle of San Juan Hill was a major land battle that took place on July 1, 1898, near Santiago de Cuba. The American forces, led by General William Shafter, attacked the Spanish fortifications on San Juan Hill and captured them after a fierce battle.

Strategies and Tactics

• United States:The United States relied on its superior naval power and technology to defeat the Spanish. The American fleet was more modern and better equipped than the Spanish fleet, and the United States also used a new type of smokeless gunpowder that gave its ships a significant advantage in battle.

• Spain:The Spanish forces were outnumbered and outgunned, but they fought bravely and used guerrilla tactics to their advantage. The Spanish also relied on their fortifications and the difficult terrain to slow down the American advance.

Impact of the Battles, Spanish american war worksheet pdf

The American victories at Manila Bay and San Juan Hill were decisive in the outcome of the war. The destruction of the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay gave the United States control of the Philippines, while the capture of San Juan Hill opened the way for the American invasion of Cuba.

Impact on the United States

The Spanish-American War had a profound impact on the United States, both domestically and internationally.

Political and Economic Consequences

• Expansion of American Empire:The war resulted in the United States acquiring new territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This expansion of American empire marked a turning point in American foreign policy.
• Economic Growth:The war stimulated the American economy, creating new jobs and industries. The United States also gained access to new markets for its goods.
• Rise of American Imperialism:The war led to a surge in American nationalism and a desire to expand American power and influence around the world.

Foreign Policy and Global Standing

• New Role in World Affairs:The Spanish-American War marked the United States’ emergence as a global power. The United States now had a presence in the Pacific and the Caribbean, and it began to play a more active role in international affairs.
• Interventionism:The war also established a precedent for American interventionism in the Western Hemisphere. The United States would continue to intervene in the affairs of other countries in the region, often with the goal of protecting American interests.
• Challenge to European Colonialism:The Spanish-American War challenged the dominance of European colonialism in the Americas. The United States’ victory over Spain showed that European powers could no longer dominate the region.

Impact on Spain

The Spanish-American War was a disaster for Spain. The war resulted in the loss of Spain’s colonial empire and a decline in its global power and prestige.

Political and Economic Consequences

• Loss of Empire:The war resulted in the loss of Spain’s colonies in the Americas, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. This loss of empire was a major blow to Spain’s economy and its international standing.
• Economic Crisis:The war also led to a severe economic crisis in Spain. The war effort was costly, and the loss of colonies deprived Spain of important sources of revenue.
• Political Instability:The war also led to political instability in Spain. The loss of empire and the economic crisis weakened the monarchy and led to a series of political crises.

Social and Cultural Impact

• National Humiliation:The war was a national humiliation for Spain. The loss of empire and the defeat by the United States was a major blow to Spanish pride.
• Cultural Decline:The war also led to a decline in Spanish culture. The loss of empire and the economic crisis weakened the Spanish language and culture, and Spain’s influence in the world declined.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Spanish-American War had a lasting impact on the world. The war marked the end of the Spanish empire and the emergence of the United States as a global power.

Impact on the 20th Century

• Rise of American Imperialism:The Spanish-American War led to the rise of American imperialism. The United States acquired new territories and began to play a more active role in international affairs.
• World War I:The Spanish-American War helped to set the stage for World War I. The war weakened Spain and made it more vulnerable to attack from other European powers.
• Decolonization:The Spanish-American War also contributed to the decolonization of the Americas. The war showed that European powers could no longer dominate the region, and it inspired other colonies to seek independence.

Historiography

The Spanish-American War has been the subject of much historical debate. Historians have debated the causes of the war, the conduct of the war, and the impact of the war on the United States and Spain.

• Traditional View:The traditional view of the Spanish-American War is that it was a just war that was fought to liberate Cuba from Spanish oppression.
• Revisionist View:The revisionist view of the Spanish-American War is that it was an unnecessary war that was fought to expand American empire and to promote American economic interests.

FAQ Summary

What is the significance of the Spanish-American War?

The Spanish-American War marked a turning point in American foreign policy, signaling the country’s emergence as a global power and the end of Spanish colonialism in the Americas.

What were the key battles of the Spanish-American War?

The Battle of Manila Bay and the Battle of San Juan Hill were decisive victories for the United States, leading to the Spanish surrender and the acquisition of new territories.

What were the consequences of the Spanish-American War for Spain?

The war resulted in the loss of Spain’s colonial empire, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, and a decline in its international influence.