Spanish–American War

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/spanishamerican-war

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the duration of hostilities?April 21, 1898 – August 13, 1898 (approximately 113 days)
2. What is the primary theaters of operation?Caribbean (Cuba, Puerto Rico) and Pacific (Philippines, Guam)
3. Why did the U.S. decide to fight Spain?People were upset about the suffering of Cuban civilians and the news about Spain's harsh tactics, and the explosion of the USS Maine made many think Spain was responsible.
4. What happened to the USS Maine?The ship sank in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, after an explosion, and the cause is still debated, but it pushed the U.S. toward war.

Imperialism: A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, often by acquiring colonies.
Reconcentration Policy: Spanish military tactic in Cuba that forced civilians into guarded camps to deny support to rebels, leading to high mortality rates.
Generation of '98: A group of Spanish writers, poets, and intellectuals who reflected on Spain's national identity and decline after the loss of its colonies.
Naval Blockade: The use of naval forces to prevent ships from entering or leaving a port or country.