Spanish-American War: Causes, Battles, and Consequences
The Spanish-American War: A Turning Point
Spain attempted to pacify the situation, but to no avail. Despite the U.S.’s superiority, Spain sent Cervera’s fleet. Upon arriving in Cuba, it was blockaded in Santiago. The fleet entered the port to take on coal and escape, but the U.S. blockaded the port.
Spain faced a dilemma: surrender or fight, knowing defeat was likely. They chose to fight, resulting in their destruction. After Cayo Santiago, the U.S. quickly occupied the island.
The war was swift for the U.S., devastating the Spanish Armada in two naval battles: Manila and Santiago.
In this way, the U.S. achieved its objective of occupying Central America and the Caribbean.
Consequences of the War
The Treaty of Paris was issued at the U.S.’s demand, which Spain had to comply with.
- Spain recognized Cuba’s independence.
- Spain ceded Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam to the U.S. in exchange for $20 million.
- Cuba was devastated and its governance changed. The U.S. made it a protectorate in 1902.
For the U.S., 1898 marked the beginning of an era of imperialism.
A Political and Moral Crisis in Spain
Despite the severe crisis, the impact on Spain was less than expected. Although the loss of colonies was significant, the crisis in Spain itself was less severe.
The need to address the debt led to financial reforms aimed at increasing revenue. The political crisis was significant, prompting attempts at regeneracionismo, a critique of the existing political system and Spanish culture.
Spain experienced discontent as the myth of the Spanish empire was shattered at a time when other European powers were building vast empires.
The foreign press portrayed Spain as a moribund nation with an inefficient army, a corrupt political system, and incompetent politicians.
Regeneracionismo: A Movement for Renewal
The failure of the 1868 revolution led to the loss of progressive intellectuals who sought to modernize the country.
Intellectuals gathered at the Institución Libre de Enseñanza, emphasizing the work of Francisco Giner.
Some politicians believed that Catholicism excessively influenced Spanish society and politics, hindering cultural modernization and scientific development.
This movement became known as regeneracionismo.
There was a recognized need to improve conditions in the countryside, raise educational levels, and foster cultural renewal in Spanish science.
A group of literary figures and thinkers critically and pessimistically analyzed Spain’s problems.
Intellectuals gathered at the Institución Libre de Enseñanza, emphasizing the work of Francisco Giner. Some politicians believed that Catholicism excessively influenced Spanish society and politics, hindering cultural modernization and scientific development. This movement became known as regeneracionismo. There was a recognized need to improve conditions in the countryside, raise educational levels, and foster cultural renewal in Spanish science. A group of literary figures and thinkers critically and pessimistically analyzed Spain’s problems.