Question 1: When did the Spanish-American War officially begin?

Answer: April 21, 1898

Question 2: Who was the President of the United States during the war?

Answer: William McKinley

Question 3: What was the significance of the Battle of San Juan Hill?

Answer: It was a decisive victory that helped secure Cuban independence and boosted US military reputation.

Question 4: Name one key territorial acquisition resulting from the war.

Answer: The Philippines (also acceptable: Guam or Puerto Rico)

Question 5: Which event was used as a pretext for the war?

Answer: The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor

Question 1: Source: 'The USS Maine was destroyed by an external explosion, which the US government blamed on Spain.' What can you infer about American attitudes toward Spain from this source?

Answer: The source suggests that the US blamed Spain for the explosion, indicating hostility and suspicion, which fueled calls for war.

Question 2: Evaluate the reliability of this quote as a primary source.

Answer: While it reflects US government claims, it may be biased and influenced by wartime propaganda; additional sources are needed for a balanced view.

Question 3: Who would be the intended audience for this source?

Answer: American citizens and policymakers, aiming to justify war efforts.

Question 1: Explain why the United States declared war on Spain in 1898.

Answer: The US declared war due to the explosion of the USS Maine, humanitarian concerns in Cuba, economic interests, and expanding imperial ambitions, all fueled by sensationalist media and nationalistic sentiment.

Question 2: Describe how the war impacted US foreign policy and territorial expansion.

Answer: The war marked the US as an imperial power, leading to territorial acquisitions like the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico, and shifting US foreign policy towards greater overseas influence.

Question 1: To what extent was American expansionism a primary cause of the Spanish-American War?

Answer: A balanced essay should consider factors such as economic interests, nationalistic sentiment, the influence of media, and imperial ambitions. The US's desire for new markets and strategic military bases was a significant cause, but other factors like humanitarian concerns also played a role. Overall, expansionism was a major driver but intertwined with other causes.

Question 2: How far do you agree that the sinking of the USS Maine was the key event that led to war?

Answer: While the sinking of the USS Maine was a pivotal event that inflamed public opinion and was used as a rallying cry for war, underlying causes such as economic interests and imperial ambitions were also critical. Therefore, it was a catalyst but not the sole cause.