The war in the Caribbean islands closely resembles the war in the Philippines because they both wanted freedom from Spain. The Caribbean islands, mostly Cuba rebelled against Spain between 1886 and 1878. This was unsuccessful the first time.  Jose Marti (exiled New York journalist and poet) helped launch a revolution in 1895.   Jose Marti used one of his plans called “the Guerrilla campaign” which split the U.S., some Americans wanted to help Spain to be able to protect their investment while other Americans were enthusiastic about the rebellion. (The American’s Textbook pg.347)

      The U.S. took part in helping Cuba and the Philippines fight for their freedom against Spain. In 1896 Spain, upset by Cuba’s rebellion, sent General Valeriano Weyler to Cuba to establish order by placing central and western Cubans in concentration camps. On April 20th United States declared war against Spain under the new U.S. president William McKinley.  Spain believed that America would invade Cuba, but the first battle took place in the Philippine Islands. Commodore George Dewy on April 30th brought the American troop to the Philippines and destroyed the Spanish troops in Manila (Philippines Capital). This victory allowed U.S. troops to land in the Philippines. Finally in August the Spanish troops located in the Philippines capital; Manila surrendered to the U.S.  (The American’s textbook)

       The U.S. had two major naval victories while helping the Philippines and the Caribbean islands. The Philippines beat the Spanish troops at Manila (Philippine capital). The victory was called “The Battle of Manila  and occurred on May 1, 1898. All of the Spanish naval ships were destroyed and their lives were taken. As for the U.S. we like to call this battle “bloodless” since we didn’t lose a single troop during the battle. The other similar conflict also included a major naval victory called “The Battle of Santiago De Cuba”.  This battle began when there was a naval blockade in Cuba. Thanks to Admiral William T. Sampson the U.S. was successfully able to block the Spanish troops in Santiago De Cuba Harbor. The Americans had a few handicaps. Approximately 125,000 volunteer Americans, who didn’t have much experience and lacked appropriate garments for the weather during the battle, were able to win. The U.S. troops got help from the Rough Riders led by Leonard Wood and Theodore Roosevelt and two or more African-American regular army troops. They all joined together and won the battle in Santiago on San Juan Hill.  Two days later the Spanish troops tried to escape from the harbor but U.S. troops followed and ended up destroying the Spanish troops winning the battle.  (The American Text book and The Spanish American War Centennial)

      The U.S. gained more territory.  After many years of being interested in Cuba the U.S. was able to get some territory by helping Cuba. Cuba was an independent country however the U.S. insisted they present their foreign policy for approval. The U.S. was also able to call Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippine islands their territories as a result of Americans helping them get freedom from Spain. A few years later though Cuba fought back against the U.S. and now are officially at independent country. (Answers.com and Us department of state, mum: Jane F.)

     In summary, the Caribbean conflict resembles the Philippine conflict in American history.  Both conflicts were fought against Spain.  Neither conflict was fought on American soil but both did involve the American Navy nor did both conflicts end up giving America more power by having more territories.

 

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