Causes and Effects of the Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War, which took place in 1898, was a significant conflict that had lasting impacts on both Spain and the United States. Several key factors contributed to the outbreak of this war.

Causes:

Imperialism played a major role in the lead-up to the Spanish-American War, with the United States seeking to expand its influence and control in the Caribbean and Pacific regions. Yellow journalism, sensationalized and biased reporting, also played a role in inflaming public opinion against Spain. The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana harbor, although the cause was disputed, further heightened tensions between the two countries.

Effects:

The Spanish-American War marked the end of Spanish colonial rule in the Americas, with Spain losing its territories of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. The war also established the United States as a global power and set the stage for its future involvement in world affairs. In addition, the war had a profound impact on Spain, leading to the loss of its empire and a period of decline in its influence on the world stage.