The United States consciously provoked a war with Spain in order to acquire colonies from Spain.
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Anonymous
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America at this time was looking for places where they could make a profite and have power in their businesses. American businessmen for example saw Cuba as a good place for business which would provide them with power and money. President McKinely and American businessmen saw their objective was to get Spain out of Cuba and it "could not be accomplished without war,". This being stated it shows how the United States knew that the only way that they could get colonies from Spain was by war and if thats what it took to get those colonies they were going to do it.
well i wouldnt say that they provoked the war with. They saw that that spain looked like that they could gain power from, and the fact that Spain was being treated bad by Cuba. Was just the perfect reason for them to go to war, and have all of the American community behind them; not to mention that some reporters stranded the truth on some things about some Americans dying, so that would just give another reason for America to go to war.
Around the change of the centuries Americans provoked a war with Spain in several ways not always being completely honest. Officially they always just helped other countries to gain their independence, but in reality the United States always tried to find ways to find new markets and territories. First of all there was of course the yellow journalism which exaggerated events and purposely misstated facts. Many of these articles in the yellow newspapers such as the articles about the explosion at the US battleship Maine caused the people in the United States to call for revenge and a war with Spain. Secondly many claimed that the Cubans were in the same situation as the US in the 1770´s and should be freed from the Spain, who was as brutal as the British. Even the anti-expansionist labor unions said that they would feel sympathy for the Cuban rebels. Thirdly, as President McKinley claimed the fighting began after American forces had been attacked by the rebels. (Even though McKinley should be proven wrong later when “American soldiers testified that the United States had fired the first shot.”) However all these incidents were just the official reasons for the war that the United States offered because they were very concerned with their public image trying to distinguish themselves as much as possible from the colonial powers. The true reason for these provocations and the Spanish-American war was America’s economic interest in hopes of finding markets for their overproduction and to find ways to become even richer and to keep up with the other colonial powers. Howard Zinn reported in his book that by 1901 “at least 80 percent of the export of Cuba’s minerals were in American hands” which clearly shows that the United States provoked and fought against Spain not to free the Cuba’s, but to be able to use Cuban resources for their own economical advantage.
I agree because the U.S. saw Cuba as a good place to establish business, obtain control and power. The only thing that was in their way was Spain. They needed to get them out and I believe they felt as if war was the only way. Their were lies put together to make war seem neccessary. Like the sinking of the Maine being blamed on Spain. They consciously threw out the lies so it is very possible that they provoked spain into war.
The U.S made a good choise to go after Cuba, because Cuba was not really "taken" it was a good place to open business get the people from Cuba to trust the U.S and by doing that this would all help out for the best. But there's always something that can hold you back and for the U.S it was spain, spain saw what the U.S was trying to do by moving into Cuba so Spain did all they could to hold them back and for this reason i think they provoked the war, because, they saw it as war being the only thing that would settle it all donw and would bring the conclusion.
The fact that Americans wanted to expand overseas and out of the country is an undeniable truth. Everyone from populist to factory workers promoted expansionism all for the same reason, a better market for trade. However personal appeal alone does not cause expansion. The battleship Maine was destroyed in Havana harbor from a "Mysterious explosion" causing many to believe America's connection with Spain was not healthy. After this, McKinley began to move towards the idea of a war with Spain before any further investigation. (This might sound familiar to events that have taken place more recently.) The American victory in the short little war meant the acquisition of the Philippians, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin islands all which have brought enormous wealth to the U.S., regardless if they are a U.S. territory today.
Since America's idea of an "open door" would only be accomplished if they could have free access to markets, the nation's great intersts in expansion and wealth would lead to wars of conquest if necessary. In order for the United States to acquire colonies from Spain, they believed showing the military and naval strength of the superior United States would greatly threaten the Spanish in their attempts of great defeat. When the U.S. decided to take special interests in the western hemisphere, it was a step that Mckinley felt was needed in order to advance imperialism. The "certain influential newspapers" was later believed that Mckinley may have been rushed into war because of the press, although the Chief of the Bureau of Foreign Commerce of the Department of Commerce wrote that "[Spanish-Am. War] was seen to be necessary for us not only to find foreign purchases for our goods, but to provide the means of making access to foreign markets easy, economical and safe." Overall, I believe the U.S. did provoke a war with Spain, where people were longing for independence, for the benefits that strenghtened the American nation such as creating naval bases, rights of intervening and "protecting", and protecting American interests.
It is clearly shown that "...the United States considered Latin America its sphere of influence." America became greatly ambitious with the many promises expansion would supply for the "...problem of underconsumption at home and prevent the economic crises that in the 1890s brought class war." A Washington Post editorial wrote "A new consciousness seems to have come upon us-- and with it a new appetite, the yearning to show our strength....Ambition, interest, land hunger, pride, the mere joy of fighting...." therefore stating that the ambition of new business markets for the United States would take it to the extreme of going into war. It can be proven in the fact that "Businessmen had been interested, from the start of the Cuban revolt against Spain, in the effect on commercial possibilities there." "At some point in the spring, both McKinley and the business community began to see that their object, to get Spain out of Cuba, could not be accomplished without war...." meaning that it was the United States objective to consciously provoke war with Spain in order to get the colonies it wanted for trade.
Yes America did provoke war. At the time they wanted power. the more they had the more power they had. Cuba had business and America could profit off of what Cuba had. Spain had the same idea and wanted to take over Cuba before America did. America provoked the war with Spain because they were trying to get them out of Cuba.
The U.S.'s primary focus in expanding its borders was to build a strong and continous economy. "Expansion was a widespread idea inthe upper circles of military men, politicians, businessmen, and farmers looking for foreign markets that would help them." Cuba was a very important location in the Atlantic for trade in Latin America. It provided a great location to resupply and had many economic appeals itself. "Cuba still had 10,000,000 acres of virgin forest...nearly every foot saleable in the U.S." However, Cuba was under the influence of Spain at the time. Cuba was in the process of a revolt but lacked the resources able to accomplish the goal. The U.S. decided that if their expansion seemed "like an act of generosity," the world would be more open to U.S. influence. This "act" of generosity was accomplished by getting involved in the Cuban revolt against Spain. In 1898 the U.S. naval ship Maine had "mysteriously" exploded and through the use of yellow journalism exxagerating the truth many Americans became angry. J.P. Morgan beleived that "further talk with Spain would accomplish nothing." Not long after the U.S. had joined the revolt. After the was, "Americans began taking over railroad, mine, and sugar properties." The U.S. had invested $30 million into Cuban markets within the next few years.
With the dominant theme "open door" of American foreign policy in the 20th century, American merchants and business interests did not need colonies or wars of conquest if they could just have free access to the markets. However, the US did provoke war with Spain not just under public pressures (influenced by yellow journalism esp. over the explosion of the battleship Maine) and the idea of helping the Cubans who were crying for independence like the Americans of 1776 alone, but also for power, profits and the fear of another "establishment of a white and a black republic" in case the Cuban rebels would win on their own. At first, the intention may have been to simply clear out "uncertainty in American political and economic life" and resume "building of the new American commercial empire". Congress passing of the Teller Amendment pledging the US not to annex Cuba as an assurance gained supports from those who were interested and believed in Cuban independence, anti-imperialism and sufficience of "open door" an even the Cuban rebels. But almost immediately after, business interests took over and it became how the US will be benefited instead of Cubans. It is reasonable enough to say that the press and public opinion brought up the idea of a war against Spain but it was the business community that made it happen. The Spanish-American War did lead to a number of direct annexations and after the peace treaty signed in December of 1898, Spain gave the US Guam, Puerto Rico and Philippines (for a questionable payment of $20 million). Because at the same time, there were European imperialism competitions and once again the idea of "the white men's burden" that pushed the US decision of taking Philippines. President Mc Kinley even called Philippines "a gift from the gods". With the US long interventions in Cuba and Philippines after the war as replacement for the Spanish rule, it's clear that the US at some point did have intentions of acquiring colonies from Spain.
The United States did consciously porvoke war with Spain being that this was a time in America were overseas expansion was a great interest with an emergance of nation power. America already had mass control of Mexico involving imports, exports, and productions. Once forign markets were seen as mportant to prosperity, expansionist policies, even war had wide appeal. And, an appeal such as this "would be especially strong if tthe expansion looked like an act of generosity---helping a rebellious group overthrow foreign rule--as in Cuba", which was controlled by Spain. America already had business with Cuba and wanted "free them" from foeign rule yet gain control its self, picking a fight with Spain was strategic inorder to continue American expansionism in the Americas and overseas....the early driving force for expansion was President Theodore Roosevelt. Now McKinley and his administration and the business community saw that their object to get Spain out of Cuba, could not be accomplished without war. America wanted more economic power, money, supremicy in the markets due to its own overproduction and saw great potential in Cuba's resources and was the real cause for the war, not to free its people.
Indeed the United States did consciously provoke a war with Spain in order to acquire colonies from Spain due to their greed for power, money, expansion, and markets. The U.S notice that Cuba was the best place to gain everything they were looking for yet they saw Spain as a blockage to get to them. People such as Theodore Roosevelt wrote: "In strict confidence . . . I should welcome almost any war, for I think this country needs one.”, William McKinley said: "We want a foreign market for our surplus products.", and Big corporations stated we will have war and all would welcome it as relief to suspense. The U.S urged for their self-interests led to strategies like using naval and military strength to scare their way into getting what they wanted. They also convinced others to believe that Cuba was in the exact position as they were to go against Spain and would help Cuba gain their independence while really trying to gain resources and other things from them. Another thing that encouraged the Spanish-American war was yellow journalism which was exaggerated stories like the sinking of Maine where Spain was accused to push the war along.
Lucero Gonzalez It is clearly shown that "...the United States considered Latin America its sphere of influence." America became greatly ambitious with the many promises expansion would supply for the "...problem of underconsumption at home and prevent the economic crises that in the 1890s brought class war." A Washington Post editorial wrote "A new consciousness seems to have come upon us-- and with it a new appetite, the yearning to show our strength....Ambition, interest, land hunger, pride, the mere joy of fighting...." therefore stating that the ambition of new business markets for the United States would take it to the extreme of going into war. It can be proven in the fact that "Businessmen had been interested, from the start of the Cuban revolt against Spain, in the effect on commercial possibilities there." "At some point in the spring, both McKinley and the business community began to see that their object, to get Spain out of Cuba, could not be accomplished without war...." meaning that it was the United States objective to consciously provoke war with Spain in order to get the colonies it wanted for trade.
The united wanted economic power in cuba and they thought that Cuba would be a good place to establish business and they thought that the only way that they oculd do this is to provoke war with Spain and since spain had interest in cuba, united states had no choice but to provoke war with them. the yellow journalism also help provoked American citizens for war by posting all those false statements about cuba having some part to the explosion of the us battership "Maine"
America was looking for ways to grow economically and to gain power. Cuba was a good location for business and the answer to overea expansion.I agree that we provoked Cuba into war to gain power. Yellow journalism upseted the americans by faulting Cuba for the mysterious explosion of Maine in 1898. President McKinely saw no other option then to start a war with Spain over Cuba. By defeating Spain America benefited economically.
YES!... The United States consciously provoked a war with Spain in order to acquire colonies from Spain. "to get Spain out of Cuba, could not be accomplished without war, and their accompanying object," As we can see WAR was necessary in order for the united States to get more power.... to get more colonies. Sapin could not get out of Cuba if it wasnt because of War. "In the face of the present proposal of intervention without previous recognition of independence, it is necessary for us to go to a step farther and say that we must and will regard such intervention as nothing less than a declaration of war by the united States against the Cuban revolutionists." War is the key in order to get what the united States Wants..Colonies from Spain. The united states had to provoke War in order to get what they wanted that was all they could do, they saw it as there only way out and the only way to settle everything.
YES!... The United States consciously provoked a war with Spain in order to acquire colonies from Spain. "to get Spain out of Cuba, could not be accomplished without war, and their accompanying object," As we can see WAR was necessary in order for the united States to get more power.... to get more colonies. Sapin could not get out of Cuba if it wasnt because of War. "In the face of the present proposal of intervention without previous recognition of independence, it is necessary for us to go to a step farther and say that we must and will regard such intervention as nothing less than a declaration of war by the united States against the Cuban revolutionists." War is the key in order to get what the united States Wants..Colonies from Spain. The united states had to provoke War in order to get what they wanted that was all they could do, they saw it as there only way out and the only way to settle everything.
Expansion was promoted through factory workers to populist as a better market for trade. The United States saw Cuba as a good place to establish business which provided them with control, power, and money. The nation was rapidly growing from their future expansion and their present defense of the waste of the earth. Spain wanted to take care of Cuba before America did, so they can get the profit and fortune of the new markets and territories. To get Spain out of Cuba, America kept provoking small wars with Spain to get the territory, Cuba gained independence while trying to gain resources. The Yellow Journalism encouraged the Spanish-American War to exxagerated stories where spain was accused of pushing the war.
"...the U.S. simply wanted to replace Spain." McKinley and the bussiness community felt that the objective of getting Spain out of Cuba "...could not be accomplished without war.." Its obvious that the U.S. consciously provoked a war with Spain in order to acquire colonies from Spain, even since the founding periods of this country, that is all the political people have wanted to do, is gain control of lands, and basically form a world-wide monoply which they could control the business place with . The obvious example, Cuba, though acts such as the Teller Amendment were passed by Congress , America saw ways to get around those restrictions ( Platt Ammendment-granted U.S.the right to intervene for the preservation of Cuba)when they realizd "..American lumber interrests to move into the island for the products of Cuban forests.." After the "intervention" of the U.S. after about three months and the prohibtion of the Cubans to set up their own government, Cuba was brouth into the "American sphere"-but not as a territory. Like stated the "splendid little war" brought in gifts to America from all over the world after fighting with Spain, America annexed Puerto Rico, Hawaiin Islands, Wake Island, and Guam. After a while of WAR with Spains, America signed a peace treay with Spain in Feburary 1899. Last thought for all you unbelievers...why would America sign a peace treaty with Spain if they had not been at war? It all points out that America was after the goodies of Spain.
the united states provoked a war with spain because they thought cuba was a good place to expand and also they feared the rebels would fight off the spanish forces first gaing their independence to them selves and the fear that cuba like haiti would become another black republic the war would also have an impact on the economy chattanooga tradesman said that "the possibility of war has decidedly stimulated the iron trade" war with spain was also the only way the united states could gain control of cuba
During this time the United States were trying to acquire more territories to expand trade even if that meant invading other countries. In William McKinleys quote on page 299 he states that "We want a foreign market for our surplus products." McKinley used the devastation of the Maine to "get Spain out of Cuba" and he thought that it could not be accomplished without war.
I don't believe that America purposly went to war with Spain. It was more about expanison than anything else. Mckinely most likeyl didn't agree with war because fighting and battles isn't always necessary but at the samt time in order for U.S. to have better expanison and buisness only to better ourselves then war was the only given option. There wasn't a doubt the U.S. was going to win because as a country we are to dominant and at the end U.S. won and gave the U.S. an enourmus prize......
Ever since the US became it's own country they were always looking for ways to make new profit and have new opportunities for money. One of the ways was by trying to get Cuba from Spain because then they would virtually own the Gulf of Mexico and they could protect themselves from attacks through the Gulf of Mexico better. The US knew that if they were gonna be able to get any of the Spanish colonies in the western hemisphere was by war, because no country would just hand part of their land over to the US. Especially, since Spain still had control over only Small islands in the western hemisphere they wanted all of what they could get.
I agree that the United States did consciously provoked a war with Spain in order to acquire colonies, such as Cuba. As the Zinn book states, the U.S. "had power and profit in mind as it observed the events in Cuba." From that, it leads to McKinley and the business community to "began to see that their object, to get Spain out of Cuba, COULD NOT BE ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT WAR.." With that said, the U.S. was hunger for action, and felt that "..there were special interests who would benefit directly from war." Therefore, it proves that the United States really did provoke Spain into war in order to obtain Spain's colonies.
This was in fact a true statement. The U.S. government thought that if they can try to help Cuba out, then they will also get something out of it, "power and profit." Yes, along the way they did have some doubts because of the fear that rebels would be greedy and "keep the United States out" and "the establishment of a white and black republic." But U.S. was able to look into a different spotlight and focus on a more prospective outlook. The war would "enlarge the business of transportation," it would also satisfy the bussinessmen, including "the most conservative classes." This was a war that had to happen for the U.S., President McKinley predicted that it would eradicate the "terrible uncertainty in American political and economic life" and it would try to continue to build the new "American commercial empire." As a result, it was seen as an accessible way to make foreign markets easy, economical and safe.
I think the Spanish-American war was provoked by the Americans because they needed to find new ways to expand their market. They felt that they could that in Cuba but could not because Spain occupied the land at the time. The Americans used the war as a way to force Spain out of Cuba so that America could continue to expand.
The U.S. did consciously provoke a war with Spain to acquire colonies because America wanted more markets, money and power and at this time America had a high interest and need for overseas expansion and they knew the only way to get what they wanted was through war. "We want a foriegn market for our surplus products." President Mckinely and American business men believed America's first target was to get Spain out of Cuba. To get what it wanted and needed,the U.S. did everthing in its power.America used things like to naval ships and military power to scare their way into getting what they wanted. America convienced people to believe we were going to go against Spain to help Cuba gain its independence, when they actually wanted to use them to control their markets and gain resources from them.
It clear to see that Amercia invoked war with Spain. The government had there mind on power and profit as they entered Cuba. The Maine was used as an excuse to go to war(wouldn't be the first time) without any proof on the Spanish involvement in the explosion. The Teller Amendment was then made to make the American public to believe that we were going to Cuba in the name of freedom. The rich bussiness men supported the war and helped push it in to a reality.Even before the war was over American business men began to go to Cuba iin the thousands. However, the biggest example of greed was shown by the government with the Platt Amendment which was forced on Cuba. American takes what they want but doesn't want to look like the "bad guy".
The Spanish-American war was caused by Americas desire for a new market, imperialism, and yellow journalism. America provoked the war with Spain purposely. United States wanted some of the resources that cuba had and they saw Spain as something that was blocking their way. Journalists also exaggerated some of the things they said about Spain. The way that they blamed the explosion that sinked the US battleship Maine on Spain as a way to get Americans to dislike them. Most of these were things that caused the Spanish-American war so that Americans had a more justified reason to go to war with Spain. All these things were done so that the United States could expand, take the colonies, and use their resources.
The United States had no choice but to provoke war with Spain. "...McKinley and the business community began to see that their object ,to get Spain out of Cuba , could not be accomplished without war,..." The United States was trying to make a profit out of Cuba but they saw that it couldn't be done without their interference because Spain was in the way so i think that yes the United states conciously provoked war with Spain.
In response to all of those above, the United Sates government did not pick a war in order to acquire colonies; but rather, was sucked into a war by business interests which inflamed the public in order to acquire overseas markets and business opportunities. It was a series of tragic and unfortunate incidents that led to the war with Spain. Events such as the sinking of the Maine and the atrocities committed by “Butcher Weyler” are what caused the country to be caught up in war fever. The United States had absolutely no control over either of those events. Remember, most of the United States did not want war in the beginning. Labor unions and socialists also opposed war. Even President McKinley did not want war, and had instructed is ambassador to Spain to try to end the dispute. As Walter Lafeber says, by mid March of 1898, McKinley “was beginning to discover that, although he did not want war, he did want what only a war could provide: the disappearance of the terrible uncertainty in American political and economic life, and a solid basis from which to resume the building of the new American commercial empire.” This makes my point that the United States government did not provoke the war,but was sucked into it.
I do believe that the US provoked a war with Spain but, I am not quite sure whether it was just to acquire the colonies or if it was done to protect investments and opportunities. On the side that says Yes, the US did it to just to get the colonies, there is the Philip Foner quote "The McKinley Administration had plans for dealing with the Cuban situation [the revolt against Spain], but these did not include independence for the island." Foner then went on to say that the McKinley administration rushed Spain into a war because "if the United States waited too long, the Cuban revolutionary forces would emerge victorious, replacing the collapsing Spanish regime." This was something the US did not want because the majority of the revolutionaries were black and they did not want "another black republic" so the only solution was to replace Spanish rule with American. But the other side can argue that aside from a fear of a second black republic, the US "businessmen had been interested, from the start of the Cuban revolt against Spain, in the effect of commercial possibilities there. There already was a substantial economic interest in the island…" and if Cuba became free, they would lose many economic and commercial investments and opportunities.
Candrice Ross Yes. The United States intentionally provoked a war against Spain. During this time period the United States wanted economic growth and over seas expansion would have provided them with such." He did not want war, he did want what only a war could provide: the disappearance of the terrible uncertainty in American political and economic life, and a solid basis from which to resume the building of the new American commercial empire."
I think that the U.S. did provoke a war with spain just to get their colonies. for one, they were in a very expansionist mood, wanting to become an empire like England is/was, and like all the other huge political powers in the world at the time, so I think that they would do almost anything possible just to be able to get a few extra pieces of land from a coutnry that wasn't longer the huge, empire it once was. It was a case of a bigger country picking on a smaller country, using the "big stick" policy of Taft and Roosevelt to gain the advantage by using their just amassed navy, with new warships that most nations didn't have at the time.
The statement is correct to a certain degree. The economical crisis that the United States was experiencing required some type of desperate measure. The solution to the nation's underconsumption and the closing of the "internal frontier" was eventually American imperialism. Intervention in Cuba's rebellion against Spain for independence was used as an excuse by the U.S. to take advantage of profitable land. Politicians,businessmen, and some farmers saw the potential in economical success by engaging in foreign trade. The war with Spain was only an inevitable part of the U.S.'s quest for expansion and a desperately needed economy boost. The main reason for war was not just to gain more territory; it was more for the search of economical growth.
I agree that America intentionally went into war with Spain. The govt. tried to make it seem as if we were defending Cuba, but I think they were trying to take advantage of Cuba's Situation and establish a new economic outlet for American Trade. America just wanted to stretch its influence farther than its earthly boundaries. We wanted to gain new territory, and we were prepared to go to war for it.
Yes, the United States did have war in order to obtain Spain's colonies. Cuba was the main place where America would have great sources of business to provide them with the money, supplies, and also power. Roosevelt thought that we needed war so we had war. As a result the United States military sources, as in naval sources got their way through the war to gain what they were fighting for in the first place.
Yes, because the U.S. wanted to expand, have control and power, and to acquire Cuba where they could build a business enterprise. Spain had control over Cuba and they weren't going to let the U.S. have it. Also they had yellow journalism that exaggerated what Spain was doing, but really it was the U.S. So these things provoked Spain. President McKinley didn't want to fight he just wanted to expand have "a foreign market for our surplus products." Cuba just wanted independence so they let the U.S. intervene.
from the good readers at the good place of this hometown of amazing america i think its really amazing how the U.s is so cool and amazing during the 20th century.its is just so amazing and good...SPLENDID
Yes I feel America did provoke the war with Spain. America provoked the war with Spain because they wanted Cuba and the colonies for business which is evident when McKinley's administration tells Spain's minister about settling the war saying,"injuriously affects the normal function of business, and tends to delay the condition of prosperity." Which lets you know America only went to war to make sure they got Cuba and the colonies for business. They didnt even mention freedom or justice for Cubans in this statement which lets you know they went there not to help Cubans, but for financial gain.
America provoked war with Spain. They were looking to have power and find places to make a profit. The U.S notice that Cuba was the best place to gain everything they were looking for yet they saw Spain as a blockage to get to them. The U.S. decided that if their expansion seemed "like an act of generosity," the world would be more open to U.S. influence. The Yellow Journalism encouraged the Spanish-American War to exxagerated stories where spain was accused of pushing the war. America benefited economically by defeating Spain
The United States provoked a war with Spain to acquire colonies that could be used to benefit America. Hawaii, Japan, and great markets of China was an interest to the United States because of their future economy progression. For Instance the United States sought to build a canal that would allow ships to pass through Latin America and Mexico to aid in their power and wealth. Cuba drew America's attention because of their commericial possibilties. United States provoked war with spain because they both had intetnions on making their selves more powerful then each other; So it seems to me that Spain and the U.S. tried to beat each other to what they thought would better their selves.
The U.S did in fact used war with Spain to their advantage in gaining colonies from the Spanish,but the U.S had a number of motives for provoking war with Spain.The first was stated by President Roosevelt himself;a war is what America needed to "deflect some of the rebellious energy that went into strikes...towards an external enemy",causing the people and government to unite, as well as establish foreign markets for American goods.Spain did serve as an excellent target at this time,the reasons why are countless.It is true that the reasonability of war with Spain was objectified by yellow journalism or exaggerated publications of what war actually ment.However, war may have been inevitable given the U.S.' need for expansion,believing that "the countries with the biggest navies would inherit the earth", and the "political civilization of the modern world" was their duty.So I agree,gaining colonies was a source of motivation for the war with Spain.
51 comments:
America at this time was looking for places where they could make a profite and have power in their businesses. American businessmen for example saw Cuba as a good place for business which would provide them with power and money. President McKinely and American businessmen saw their objective was to get Spain out of Cuba and it "could not be accomplished without war,". This being stated it shows how the United States knew that the only way that they could get colonies from Spain was by war and if thats what it took to get those colonies they were going to do it.
Question for Mr.Shetzer: Can evidence used to argue points come from the text book as well as Zinn or only the Zinn book?
well i wouldnt say that they provoked the war with. They saw that that spain looked like that they could gain power from, and the fact that Spain was being treated bad by Cuba. Was just the perfect reason for them to go to war, and have all of the American community behind them; not to mention that some reporters stranded the truth on some things about some Americans dying, so that would just give another reason for America to go to war.
Around the change of the centuries Americans provoked a war with Spain in several ways not always being completely honest. Officially they always just helped other countries to gain their independence, but in reality the United States always tried to find ways to find new markets and territories.
First of all there was of course the yellow journalism which exaggerated events and purposely misstated facts. Many of these articles in the yellow newspapers such as the articles about the explosion at the US battleship Maine caused the people in the United States to call for revenge and a war with Spain.
Secondly many claimed that the Cubans were in the same situation as the US in the 1770´s and should be freed from the Spain, who was as brutal as the British. Even the anti-expansionist labor unions said that they would feel sympathy for the Cuban rebels.
Thirdly, as President McKinley claimed the fighting began after American forces had been attacked by the rebels. (Even though McKinley should be proven wrong later when “American soldiers testified that the United States had fired the first shot.”)
However all these incidents were just the official reasons for the war that the United States offered because they were very concerned with their public image trying to distinguish themselves as much as possible from the colonial powers. The true reason for these provocations and the Spanish-American war was America’s economic interest in hopes of finding markets for their overproduction and to find ways to become even richer and to keep up with the other colonial powers. Howard Zinn reported in his book that by 1901 “at least 80 percent of the export of Cuba’s minerals were in American hands” which clearly shows that the United States provoked and fought against Spain not to free the Cuba’s, but to be able to use Cuban resources for their own economical advantage.
@ya
I agree because the U.S. saw Cuba as a good place to establish business, obtain control and power. The only thing that was in their way was Spain. They needed to get them out and I believe they felt as if war was the only way. Their were lies put together to make war seem neccessary. Like the sinking of the Maine being blamed on Spain. They consciously threw out the lies so it is very possible that they provoked spain into war.
The U.S made a good choise to go after Cuba, because Cuba was not really "taken" it was a good place to open business get the people from Cuba to trust the U.S and by doing that this would all help out for the best. But there's always something that can hold you back and for the U.S it was spain, spain saw what the U.S was trying to do by moving into Cuba so Spain did all they could to hold them back and for this reason i think they provoked the war, because, they saw it as war being the only thing that would settle it all donw and would bring the conclusion.
The fact that Americans wanted to expand overseas and out of the country is an undeniable truth. Everyone from populist to factory workers promoted expansionism all for the same reason, a better market for trade. However personal appeal alone does not cause expansion. The battleship Maine was destroyed in Havana harbor from a "Mysterious explosion" causing many to believe America's connection with Spain was not healthy. After this, McKinley began to move towards the idea of a war with Spain before any further investigation. (This might sound familiar to events that have taken place more recently.) The American victory in the short little war meant the acquisition of the Philippians, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin islands all which have brought enormous wealth to the U.S., regardless if they are a U.S. territory today.
Since America's idea of an "open door" would only be accomplished if they could have free access to markets, the nation's great intersts in expansion and wealth would lead to wars of conquest if necessary. In order for the United States to acquire colonies from Spain, they believed showing the military and naval strength of the superior United States would greatly threaten the Spanish in their attempts of great defeat. When the U.S. decided to take special interests in the western hemisphere, it was a step that Mckinley felt was needed in order to advance imperialism.
The "certain influential newspapers" was later believed that Mckinley may have been rushed into war because of the press, although the Chief of the Bureau of Foreign Commerce of the Department of Commerce wrote that "[Spanish-Am. War] was seen to be necessary for us not only to find foreign purchases for our goods, but to provide the means of making access to foreign markets easy, economical and safe." Overall, I believe the U.S. did provoke a war with Spain, where people were longing for independence, for the benefits that strenghtened the American nation such as creating naval bases, rights of intervening and "protecting", and protecting American interests.
It is clearly shown that "...the United States considered Latin America its sphere of influence." America became greatly ambitious with the many promises expansion would supply for the "...problem of underconsumption at home and prevent the economic crises that in the 1890s brought class war." A Washington Post editorial wrote "A new consciousness seems to have come upon us-- and with it a new appetite, the yearning to show our strength....Ambition, interest, land hunger, pride, the mere joy of fighting...." therefore stating that the ambition of new business markets for the United States would take it to the extreme of going into war. It can be proven in the fact that "Businessmen had been interested, from the start of the Cuban revolt against Spain, in the effect on commercial possibilities there." "At some point in the spring, both McKinley and the business community began to see that their object, to get Spain out of Cuba, could not be accomplished without war...." meaning that it was the United States objective to consciously provoke war with Spain in order to get the colonies it wanted for trade.
Yes America did provoke war. At the time they wanted power. the more they had the more power they had. Cuba had business and America could profit off of what Cuba had. Spain had the same idea and wanted to take over Cuba before America did. America provoked the war with Spain because they were trying to get them out of Cuba.
The U.S.'s primary focus in expanding its borders was to build a strong and continous economy. "Expansion was a widespread idea inthe upper circles of military men, politicians, businessmen, and farmers looking for foreign markets that would help them." Cuba was a very important location in the Atlantic for trade in Latin America. It provided a great location to resupply and had many economic appeals itself. "Cuba still had 10,000,000 acres of virgin forest...nearly every foot saleable in the U.S." However, Cuba was under the influence of Spain at the time. Cuba was in the process of a revolt but lacked the resources able to accomplish the goal. The U.S. decided that if their expansion seemed "like an act of generosity," the world would be more open to U.S. influence. This "act" of generosity was accomplished by getting involved in the Cuban revolt against Spain. In 1898 the U.S. naval ship Maine had "mysteriously" exploded and through the use of yellow journalism exxagerating the truth many Americans became angry. J.P. Morgan beleived that "further talk with Spain would accomplish nothing." Not long after the U.S. had joined the revolt. After the was, "Americans began taking over railroad, mine, and sugar properties." The U.S. had invested $30 million into Cuban markets within the next few years.
With the dominant theme "open door" of American foreign policy in the 20th century, American merchants and business interests did not need colonies or wars of conquest if they could just have free access to the markets. However, the US did provoke war with Spain not just under public pressures (influenced by yellow journalism esp. over the explosion of the battleship Maine) and the idea of helping the Cubans who were crying for independence like the Americans of 1776 alone, but also for power, profits and the fear of another "establishment of a white and a black republic" in case the Cuban rebels would win on their own. At first, the intention may have been to simply clear out "uncertainty in American political and economic life" and resume "building of the new American commercial empire". Congress passing of the Teller Amendment pledging the US not to annex Cuba as an assurance gained supports from those who were interested and believed in Cuban independence, anti-imperialism and sufficience of "open door" an even the Cuban rebels. But almost immediately after, business interests took over and it became how the US will be benefited instead of Cubans. It is reasonable enough to say that the press and public opinion brought up the idea of a war against Spain but it was the business community that made it happen. The Spanish-American War did lead to a number of direct annexations and after the peace treaty signed in December of 1898, Spain gave the US Guam, Puerto Rico and Philippines (for a questionable payment of $20 million). Because at the same time, there were European imperialism competitions and once again the idea of "the white men's burden" that pushed the US decision of taking Philippines. President Mc Kinley even called Philippines "a gift from the gods". With the US long interventions in Cuba and Philippines after the war as replacement for the Spanish rule, it's clear that the US at some point did have intentions of acquiring colonies from Spain.
The United States did consciously porvoke war with Spain being that this was a time in America were overseas expansion was a great interest with an emergance of nation power. America already had mass control of Mexico involving imports, exports, and productions. Once forign markets were seen as mportant to prosperity, expansionist policies, even war had wide appeal. And, an appeal such as this "would be especially strong if tthe expansion looked like an act of generosity---helping a rebellious group overthrow foreign rule--as in Cuba", which was controlled by Spain. America already had business with Cuba and wanted "free them" from foeign rule yet gain control its self, picking a fight with Spain was strategic inorder to continue American expansionism in the Americas and overseas....the early driving force for expansion was President Theodore Roosevelt. Now McKinley and his administration and the business community saw that their object to get Spain out of Cuba, could not be accomplished without war. America wanted more economic power, money, supremicy in the markets due to its own overproduction and saw great potential in Cuba's resources and was the real cause for the war, not to free its people.
Theodore Roosevelt was evil!!!!!!!
u lynchin' lover!!!!!!!!!!!!!!lmfao
just joking about the evil part
Indeed the United States did consciously provoke a war with Spain in order to acquire colonies from Spain due to their greed for power, money, expansion, and markets. The U.S notice that Cuba was the best place to gain everything they were looking for yet they saw Spain as a blockage to get to them. People such as Theodore Roosevelt wrote: "In strict confidence . . . I should welcome almost any war, for I think this country needs one.”, William McKinley said: "We want a foreign market for our surplus products.", and Big corporations stated we will have war and all would welcome it as relief to suspense. The U.S urged for their self-interests led to strategies like using naval and military strength to scare their way into getting what they wanted. They also convinced others to believe that Cuba was in the exact position as they were to go against Spain and would help Cuba gain their independence while really trying to gain resources and other things from them. Another thing that encouraged the Spanish-American war was yellow journalism which was exaggerated stories like the sinking of Maine where Spain was accused to push the war along.
Lucero Gonzalez
It is clearly shown that "...the United States considered Latin America its sphere of influence." America became greatly ambitious with the many promises expansion would supply for the "...problem of underconsumption at home and prevent the economic crises that in the 1890s brought class war." A Washington Post editorial wrote "A new consciousness seems to have come upon us-- and with it a new appetite, the yearning to show our strength....Ambition, interest, land hunger, pride, the mere joy of fighting...." therefore stating that the ambition of new business markets for the United States would take it to the extreme of going into war. It can be proven in the fact that "Businessmen had been interested, from the start of the Cuban revolt against Spain, in the effect on commercial possibilities there." "At some point in the spring, both McKinley and the business community began to see that their object, to get Spain out of Cuba, could not be accomplished without war...." meaning that it was the United States objective to consciously provoke war with Spain in order to get the colonies it wanted for trade.
The anonymous was mine, but I couldn't log in again to post it....
The anonymous was mine, but I couldn't log in again to post it....
The united wanted economic power in cuba and they thought that Cuba would be a good place to establish business and they thought that the only way that they oculd do this is to provoke war with Spain and since spain had interest in cuba, united states had no choice but to provoke war with them. the yellow journalism also help provoked American citizens for war by posting all those false statements about cuba having some part to the explosion of the us battership "Maine"
America was looking for ways to grow economically and to gain power. Cuba was a good location for business and the answer to overea expansion.I agree that we provoked Cuba into war to gain power. Yellow journalism upseted the americans by faulting Cuba for the mysterious explosion of Maine in 1898. President McKinely saw no other option then to start a war with Spain over Cuba. By defeating Spain America benefited economically.
YES!... The United States consciously provoked a war with Spain in order to acquire colonies from Spain. "to get Spain out of Cuba, could not be accomplished without war, and their accompanying object," As we can see WAR was necessary in order for the united States to get more power.... to get more colonies. Sapin could not get out of Cuba if it wasnt because of War.
"In the face of the present proposal of intervention without previous recognition of independence, it is necessary for us to go to a step farther and say that we must and will regard such intervention as nothing less than a declaration of war by the united States against the Cuban revolutionists." War is the key in order to get what the united States Wants..Colonies from Spain. The united states had to provoke War in order to get what they wanted that was all they could do, they saw it as there only way out and the only way to settle everything.
YES!... The United States consciously provoked a war with Spain in order to acquire colonies from Spain. "to get Spain out of Cuba, could not be accomplished without war, and their accompanying object," As we can see WAR was necessary in order for the united States to get more power.... to get more colonies. Sapin could not get out of Cuba if it wasnt because of War.
"In the face of the present proposal of intervention without previous recognition of independence, it is necessary for us to go to a step farther and say that we must and will regard such intervention as nothing less than a declaration of war by the united States against the Cuban revolutionists." War is the key in order to get what the united States Wants..Colonies from Spain. The united states had to provoke War in order to get what they wanted that was all they could do, they saw it as there only way out and the only way to settle everything.
Expansion was promoted through factory workers to populist as a better market for trade. The United States saw Cuba as a good place to establish business which provided them with control, power, and money. The nation was rapidly growing from their future expansion and their present defense of the waste of the earth. Spain wanted to take care of Cuba before America did, so they can get the profit and fortune of the new markets and territories. To get Spain out of Cuba, America kept provoking small wars with Spain to get the territory, Cuba gained independence while trying to gain resources. The Yellow Journalism encouraged the Spanish-American War to exxagerated stories where spain was accused of pushing the war.
"...the U.S. simply wanted to replace Spain." McKinley and the bussiness community felt that the objective of getting Spain out of Cuba "...could not be accomplished without war.." Its obvious that the U.S. consciously provoked a war with Spain in order to acquire colonies from Spain, even since the founding periods of this country, that is all the political people have wanted to do, is gain control of lands, and basically form a world-wide monoply which they could control the business place with . The obvious example, Cuba, though acts such as the Teller Amendment were passed by Congress , America saw ways to get around those restrictions ( Platt Ammendment-granted U.S.the right to intervene for the preservation of Cuba)when they realizd "..American lumber interrests to move into the island for the products of Cuban forests.." After the "intervention" of the U.S. after about three months and the prohibtion of the Cubans to set up their own government, Cuba was brouth into the "American sphere"-but not as a territory. Like stated the "splendid little war" brought in gifts to America from all over the world after fighting with Spain, America annexed Puerto Rico, Hawaiin Islands, Wake Island, and Guam. After a while of WAR with Spains, America signed a peace treay with Spain in Feburary 1899. Last thought for all you unbelievers...why would America sign a peace treaty with Spain if they had not been at war? It all points out that America was after the goodies of Spain.
* We should have just READ!!!!*:)
the united states provoked a war with spain because they thought cuba was a good place to expand and also they feared the rebels would fight off the spanish forces first gaing their independence to them selves and the fear that cuba like haiti would become another black republic the war would also have an impact on the economy chattanooga tradesman said that "the possibility of war has decidedly stimulated the iron trade" war with spain was also the only way the united states could gain control of cuba
During this time the United States were trying to acquire more territories to expand trade even if that meant invading other countries. In William McKinleys quote on page 299 he states that "We want a foreign market for our surplus products."
McKinley used the devastation of the Maine to "get Spain out of Cuba" and he thought that it could not be accomplished without war.
I don't believe that America purposly went to war with Spain. It was more about expanison than anything else. Mckinely most likeyl didn't agree with war because fighting and battles isn't always necessary but at the samt time in order for U.S. to have better expanison and buisness only to better ourselves then war was the only given option. There wasn't a doubt the U.S. was going to win because as a country we are to dominant and at the end U.S. won and gave the U.S. an enourmus prize......
Ever since the US became it's own country they were always looking for ways to make new profit and have new opportunities for money. One of the ways was by trying to get Cuba from Spain because then they would virtually own the Gulf of Mexico and they could protect themselves from attacks through the Gulf of Mexico better. The US knew that if they were gonna be able to get any of the Spanish colonies in the western hemisphere was by war, because no country would just hand part of their land over to the US. Especially, since Spain still had control over only Small islands in the western hemisphere they wanted all of what they could get.
I agree that the United States did consciously provoked a war with Spain in order to acquire colonies, such as Cuba. As the Zinn book states, the U.S. "had power and profit in mind as it observed the events in Cuba." From that, it leads to McKinley and the business community to "began to see that their object, to get Spain out of Cuba, COULD NOT BE ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT WAR.." With that said, the U.S. was hunger for action, and felt that "..there were special interests who would benefit directly from war." Therefore, it proves that the United States really did provoke Spain into war in order to obtain Spain's colonies.
This was in fact a true statement. The U.S. government thought that if they can try to help Cuba out, then they will also get something out of it, "power and profit." Yes, along the way they did have some doubts because of the fear that rebels would be greedy and "keep the United States out" and "the establishment of a white and black republic." But U.S. was able to look into a different spotlight and focus on a more prospective outlook. The war would "enlarge the business of transportation," it would also satisfy the bussinessmen, including "the most conservative classes." This was a war that had to happen for the U.S., President McKinley predicted that it would eradicate the "terrible uncertainty in American political and economic life" and it would try to continue to build the new "American commercial empire." As a result, it was seen as an accessible way to make foreign markets easy, economical and safe.
I think the Spanish-American war was provoked by the Americans because they needed to find new ways to expand their market. They felt that they could that in Cuba but could not because Spain occupied the land at the time. The Americans used the war as a way to force Spain out of Cuba so that America could continue to expand.
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The U.S. did consciously provoke a war with Spain to acquire colonies because America wanted more markets, money and power and at this time America had a high interest and need for overseas expansion and they knew the only way to get what they wanted was through war. "We want a foriegn market for our surplus products." President Mckinely and American business men believed America's first target was to get Spain out of Cuba. To get what it wanted and needed,the U.S. did everthing in its power.America used things like to naval ships and military power to scare their way into getting what they wanted. America convienced people to believe we were going to go against Spain to help Cuba gain its independence, when they actually wanted to use them to control their markets and gain resources from them.
It clear to see that Amercia invoked war with Spain. The government had there mind on power and profit as they entered Cuba. The Maine was used as an excuse to go to war(wouldn't be the first time) without any proof on the Spanish involvement in the explosion. The Teller Amendment was then made to make the American public to believe that we were going to Cuba in the name of freedom. The rich bussiness men supported the war and helped push it in to a reality.Even before the war was over American business men began to go to Cuba iin the thousands. However, the biggest example of greed was shown by the government with the Platt Amendment which was forced on Cuba. American takes what they want but doesn't want to look like the "bad guy".
The Spanish-American war was caused by Americas desire for a new market, imperialism, and yellow journalism. America provoked the war with Spain purposely. United States wanted some of the resources that cuba had and they saw Spain as something that was blocking their way. Journalists also exaggerated some of the things they said about Spain. The way that they blamed the explosion that sinked the US battleship Maine on Spain as a way to get Americans to dislike them. Most of these were things that caused the Spanish-American war so that Americans had a more justified reason to go to war with Spain. All these things were done so that the United States could expand, take the colonies, and use their resources.
The United States had no choice but to provoke war with Spain. "...McKinley and the business community began to see that their object ,to get Spain out of Cuba , could not be accomplished without war,..." The United States was trying to make a profit out of Cuba but they saw that it couldn't be done without their interference because Spain was in the way so i think that yes the United states conciously provoked war with Spain.
In response to all of those above, the United Sates government did not pick a war in order to acquire colonies; but rather, was sucked into a war by business interests which inflamed the public in order to acquire overseas markets and business opportunities. It was a series of tragic and unfortunate incidents that led to the war with Spain. Events such as the sinking of the Maine and the atrocities committed by “Butcher Weyler” are what caused the country to be caught up in war fever. The United States had absolutely no control over either of those events. Remember, most of the United States did not want war in the beginning. Labor unions and socialists also opposed war. Even President McKinley did not want war, and had instructed is ambassador to Spain to try to end the dispute. As Walter Lafeber says, by mid March of 1898, McKinley “was beginning to discover that, although he did not want war, he did want what only a war could provide: the disappearance of the terrible uncertainty in American political and economic life, and a solid basis from which to resume the building of the new American commercial empire.” This makes my point that the United States government did not provoke the war,but was sucked into it.
I do believe that the US provoked a war with Spain but, I am not quite sure whether it was just to acquire the colonies or if it was done to protect investments and opportunities. On the side that says Yes, the US did it to just to get the colonies, there is the Philip Foner quote "The McKinley Administration had plans for dealing with the Cuban situation [the revolt against Spain], but these did not include independence for the island." Foner then went on to say that the McKinley administration rushed Spain into a war because "if the United States waited too long, the Cuban revolutionary forces would emerge victorious, replacing the collapsing Spanish regime." This was something the US did not want because the majority of the revolutionaries were black and they did not want "another black republic" so the only solution was to replace Spanish rule with American. But the other side can argue that aside from a fear of a second black republic, the US "businessmen had been interested, from the start of the Cuban revolt against Spain, in the effect of commercial possibilities there. There already was a substantial economic interest in the island…" and if Cuba became free, they would lose many economic and commercial investments and opportunities.
Candrice Ross
Yes. The United States intentionally provoked a war against Spain. During this time period the United States wanted economic growth and over seas expansion would have provided them with such." He did not want war, he did want what only a war could provide: the disappearance of the terrible uncertainty in American political and economic life, and a solid basis from which to resume the building of the new American commercial empire."
I think that the U.S. did provoke a war with spain just to get their colonies. for one, they were in a very expansionist mood, wanting to become an empire like England is/was, and like all the other huge political powers in the world at the time, so I think that they would do almost anything possible just to be able to get a few extra pieces of land from a coutnry that wasn't longer the huge, empire it once was. It was a case of a bigger country picking on a smaller country, using the "big stick" policy of Taft and Roosevelt to gain the advantage by using their just amassed navy, with new warships that most nations didn't have at the time.
The statement is correct to a certain degree. The economical crisis that the United States was experiencing required some type of desperate measure. The solution to the nation's underconsumption and the closing of the "internal frontier" was eventually American imperialism. Intervention in Cuba's rebellion against Spain for independence was used as an excuse by the U.S. to take advantage of profitable land. Politicians,businessmen, and some farmers saw the potential in economical success by engaging in foreign trade. The war with Spain was only an inevitable part of the U.S.'s quest for expansion and a desperately needed economy boost. The main reason for war was not just to gain more territory; it was more for the search of economical growth.
I agree that America intentionally went into war with Spain. The govt. tried to make it seem as if we were defending Cuba, but I think they were trying to take advantage of Cuba's Situation and establish a new economic outlet for American Trade. America just wanted to stretch its influence farther than its earthly boundaries. We wanted to gain new territory, and we were prepared to go to war for it.
Yes, the United States did have war in order to obtain Spain's colonies. Cuba was the main place where America would have great sources of business to provide them with the money, supplies, and also power. Roosevelt thought that we needed war so we had war. As a result the United States military sources, as in naval sources got their way through the war to gain what they were fighting for in the first place.
Yes, because the U.S. wanted to expand, have control and power, and to acquire Cuba where they could build a business enterprise. Spain had control over Cuba and they weren't going to let the U.S. have it. Also they had yellow journalism that exaggerated what Spain was doing, but really it was the U.S. So these things provoked Spain. President McKinley didn't want to fight he just wanted to expand have "a foreign market for our surplus products." Cuba just wanted independence so they let the U.S. intervene.
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from the good readers at the good place of this hometown of amazing america
i think its really amazing how the U.s is so cool and amazing during the 20th century.its is just so amazing and good...SPLENDID
Yes I feel America did provoke the war with Spain. America provoked the war with Spain because they wanted Cuba and the colonies for business which is evident when McKinley's administration tells Spain's minister about settling the war saying,"injuriously affects the normal function of business, and tends to delay the condition of prosperity." Which lets you know America only went to war to make sure they got Cuba and the colonies for business. They didnt even mention freedom or justice for Cubans in this statement which lets you know they went there not to help Cubans, but for financial gain.
America provoked war with Spain. They were looking to have power and find places to make a profit. The U.S notice that Cuba was the best place to gain everything they were looking for yet they saw Spain as a blockage to get to them. The U.S. decided that if their expansion seemed "like an act of generosity," the world would be more open to U.S. influence. The Yellow Journalism encouraged the Spanish-American War to exxagerated stories where spain was accused of pushing the war. America benefited economically by defeating Spain
The United States provoked a war with Spain to acquire colonies that could be used to benefit America. Hawaii, Japan, and great markets of China was an interest to the United States because of their future economy progression. For Instance the United States sought to build a canal that would allow ships to pass through Latin
America and Mexico to aid in their power and wealth. Cuba drew America's attention because of their commericial possibilties. United States provoked war with spain because they both had intetnions on making their selves more powerful then each other; So it seems to me that Spain and the U.S. tried to beat each other to what they thought would better their selves.
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The U.S did in fact used war with Spain to their advantage in gaining colonies from the Spanish,but the U.S had a number of motives for provoking war with Spain.The first was stated by President Roosevelt himself;a war is what America needed to "deflect some of the rebellious energy that went into strikes...towards an external enemy",causing the people and government to unite, as well as establish foreign markets for American goods.Spain did serve as an excellent target at this time,the reasons why are countless.It is true that the reasonability of war with Spain was objectified by yellow journalism or exaggerated publications of what war actually ment.However, war may have been inevitable given the U.S.' need for expansion,believing that "the countries with the biggest navies would inherit the earth", and the "political civilization of the modern world" was their duty.So I agree,gaining colonies was a source of motivation for the war with Spain.
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