Working with Primary Sources - The Spanish-American War - Brief Resumé of the Leading Events

Oct 19, 2026

Working with Primary Sources: The Spanish-American War provides historical context for the 1898 conflict, explaining how atrocities in Cuba, the destruction of the “Maine” in Havana harbor, and public outrage pushed the United States toward declaring war on Spain. It outlines early fears about Spain’s naval strength, the strategic role of American victories, and how preparations and rapid expansion of forces shaped outcomes after Tampa and Santiago. The narrative connects campaign expectations with the reality of Spanish helplessness.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Working with Primary Sources: The Spanish-American War

Origins of the conflict and public pressure

Early apprehensions and naval/defense concerns

American victories and changing expectations

Preparations, mobilization, and troop movements

Operations around Santiago and landing details

Working with Primary Sources: The Spanish-American War Name: Date: Class Period: Our Islands and Their People was published in 1899, very shortly after the Spanish-American War. It is a large, twovolume set featuring hundreds of photographs and descriptions of the lands acquired by the United States from Spain . The introduction is written by Major-General Joseph Wheeler, who served in both the Spanish-American War and the Philippine War (as well as previously serving in the Civil War) . While it is not the purpose of this book to treat especially ofthe late war with Spain, a brief resumé of the leading events of that memorable contest will not be out of place. The war of 1898 was probably more essentially a war of the people than any other conflict of arms in which this country has been engaged. The long continued series of atrocities practiced by the Spanish officials in Cuba exhausted the patience and aroused the humane sentiments of American citizens to such a degree as to compel positive action upon the part of the government. The destruction of the “Maine” in the harbor of Havana intensified the feeling of indignation throughout the United States; and this terrible catastrophe, though not the cause of the outbreak of hostilities, certainly hastened the action of Congress in its declaration of war against Spain. When war was first contemplated the most serious apprehensions prevailed. The navy of Spain, as reported in her official documents, was more formidable than ours; her naval forces numbered two to our one, and her ships as described on paper were quite as powerful and, as some contended, even stronger than those of the American navy. Our coastwise trade became paralyzed, and the cities of New Orleans, Galveston, Mobile, Savannah and Charleston were gorged with merchandise awaiting vessels upon which it could be transported to other ports. All our Atlantic cities felt more or less apprehension, and prompt and effectual measures were taken for their defense. Many persons who had arranged to spend their summer in Europe declined to incur the risk of capture on the high seas and remained at home. Many of the handsome residences along the Jersey coast were without tenants owing to the general and very natural fear that Spanish cruisers, approaching the Atlantic coast, might easily effect their destruction. Dewey’s magnificent victory of May 1st, resulting in the capture or destruction of Admiral Montojo’s entire squadron, contributed to allay these apprehensions. Yet, when the American army left Tampa for Santiago, it was considered necessary that the transports bearing the soldiers should be convoyed by a number of our strongest ships of war; and it was not until the destruction of Cervera’s fleet in front of Santiago and the capture of that place by the Americans that our people realized the helplessness of the Spanish army. The success of our arms far exceeded the expectations of the most sanguine. Prior to July 1st, no one would have regarded it possible for the purposes of the war to be accomplished in less than one or two years of hard fighting. The expedition to Santiago was considered a mere beginning of the task confronting our government. Success in that quarter was to be followed by a descent upon Havana, where it was supposed the great struggle would take place. It was known that the Spanish army in Cuba exceeded in number two hundred thousand men, and it seemed unreasonable to expect that they would give up the struggle before their military power was exhausted. That this was the view taken by the administration is evidenced by the magnitude of the preparations for the conflict. Our army was increased from twenty-five thousand to two hundred and twenty-five thousand men. This large force was promptly assembled, armed and equipped, and prepared for active service. Ships for war purposes were purchased wherever it was possible to find them; pleasure yachts were secured and conver

FAQs

What events helped push the United States toward war with Spain in 1898?

Long atrocities practiced by Spanish officials in Cuba exhausted American patience. The destruction of the “Maine” in Havana harbor intensified indignation and helped hasten U.S. Congressional action declaring war.

How did early fears about Spain’s capabilities affect American expectations?

When war was first contemplated, Spain’s navy was reported as stronger than America’s, with naval forces numbered two to one. This led to widespread apprehension, from trade disruption to heightened concern in Atlantic cities and private travel plans.

Why was the campaign around Santiago considered pivotal?

Success at Santiago was expected to begin a broader task that might later include operations against Havana. After Cervera’s fleet was destroyed and Santiago captured, Americans recognized the helplessness of the Spanish army.

Oct 19, 2026

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