In 1854 the United States issued the Ostend Manifesto, declaring that Cuba was “naturally” a part of the United States, and urged Spain to accept an offer of $120 million for the island. A threat was also issued that if Spain refused, the United States would “wrest” the island by force. While the threat was not carried out at that point in the nation’s history, Cuba will eventually fall within the American sphere of influence.

INSTRUCTIONS:
In order to prepare you must complete the following readings:

Read the linked articles and use at least one of them for your essay to support your discussion (will link)
New York Herald Tribune on the War and yellow press
De Lôme Letter transcript
Platt Amendment 1903 transcript
Identify and incorporate at least one additional outside source to support your discussion. In addition to the textbook, you may use any material outside of the textbook that is recommended in the Additional Reading section at the end of each chapter. You are also encouraged to do your own research and identify relevant sources. Don’t use Wikipedia, please.

Write a well-organized essay, a minimum of 700 words (but not limited to), including supporting details from the documents/textbook/other sources in which you analyze and discuss the material that has been assigned by addressing the following question:

Essay Question:

In 1898 the U.S. declared war on Spain. Discuss why the Spanish-American War has been called the “splendid little war,” the reasons offered as to why the U.S. decided to engage in this war, and if you agree or disagree with these reasons. We also fought the Philippine-American War during this period. Discuss possible reasons why this war has been largely ignored.