The Spanish-American War: Emergence of an American Empire

In Cuba, the last significant Spanish colony in the Americas, the desire for independence had grown over several decades. Cuban rebels had fought for years against Spanish colonial rule, but by the 1890s, their struggle intensified. The Cuban War of Independence, led by figures like José Martí, gained momentum as Spain’s ability to maintain control of the island weakened. The United States, with its growing interests in the Caribbean, began to take a more active role, supporting Cuban independence efforts in the hope of gaining political and economic benefits.

U.S. economic interests in the region were also a key factor in the lead-up to war. American businesses, particularly those involved in sugar, tobacco, and mining industries, had significant investments in Cuba. The U.S. government, under President Grover Cleveland, had already been involved in efforts to mediate the conflict and protect American citizens and property. However, by the time William McKinley took office in 1897, public opinion in the United States had shifted toward more direct intervention, partly driven by a growing sense of nationalism and the belief that it was America’s duty to help liberate oppressed peoples.