American Imperialism Search for Missing Bride Con2nues Bride Missing! Groom’s Family Blame History of Mental Illness Next to your PR on your lecture notes individually respond to these ques:ons –  How do these headlines differ? –  Consider the wording and how a reader might respond to each ar:cle. Discussion With your partner, discuss the ques:ons below… –  What does each headline imply? –  If these were ar:cles, which would you have wanted to read first? –  Which do you think would have been the most reliable story? Why? –  Why might different newspapers choose to present the same event so differently? Why “American” Imperialism? •  $$$ invested in foreign countries •  More trade with foreign countries •  Needs to increase military strength •  New markets to sell goods •  Racism •  No more Fron:er •  U.S. Navy needs (1) Modernize (2) Fuel Sta:ons (3) A quick route between the Atlan:c & Pacific Ocean – Influenced by Alfred T. Mahan’s book Cuba’s War for Independence •  1895-­‐1897 versus Spain •  High taxes no representa:on in govt. •  Spanish “Scorched Earth” war tac:cs / Concentra:on Camps •  Jose Mar: = Statesman who fought Spanish colonialism Why does the U.S. care? •  Economic interests in Cuba (Sugar) •  Robberbaron’s own stock in Cuban based companies •  Similar circumstances to American Revolu:on •  Cruelty towards Cuban people (Concentra:on Camps) U.S. Response to Cuba Situa:on •  U.S. government sends a baeleship to protect American interests in Cuba •  U.S.S. Maine •  On arrival docked in Havana Harbor •  In close proximity to many Spanish Baeleships What happens next? U.S.S. Maine sunk in Havana Harbor Telegram: At 9:40pm, a massive explosion shook the U.S.S. Maine. The blast occurred within the forward sec:on of the ship. Preliminary reports conclude between 254-­‐266 Americans dead. Numerous others injured. No report on what caused the explosion Ship is completely destroyed Inves:ga:on is underway. “Awake United States!”
This song was rushed into print between the sinking of the Maine on
February 15, 1898, and the declaration of war on April 25, 1898.
Eagle soar on high, and sound the battle cry!
And how proudly sailed the warship Maine,
a Nation’s pride, without a stain!
A wreck she lies, her sailors slain.
By two-faced butchers, paid by Spain!
Eagle soar on high,
And sound the battle cry
Wave the starry flag!
In mud it shall not drag!
15
Newspaper Circula:on War •  William Randoph Hearst vs, Joseph Pulitzer •  Yellow Journalism = Sensa:onalized, fake, and exaggerated news stories to sell papers / bring out emo:on in readers “You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war” Yellow Journalism •  Name originates from a popular cartoon strip •  Published exaggerated reports of Spanish brutality •  Published the “De Lome Leeer” (Spainish official insults the President) •  Why? = $$$