The Spanish American War During The 19th Century - 1391 Words

At the end of the 19th century the Spanish-American War was fought between the United States, and Spain. The war started a new beginning for three nations, the United States, Cuba and Spain. At the end of the war an empire would fall and new one would be created and Cuba would become an independent nation. Though battles were fought all over the world the war itself was mostly about Cuban Independence. During the latter half of 19th century Cuba was under the control of Spain. â€Å"Cuba, Spain’s oldest large colony in the New World, was still its proudest possession† (Somerlott, 2002) the quick destruction of Spanish forces ended there rule in the New World and allowed the US to become an empire. Also it allows the speed†¦show more content†¦He was soon arrested and tried for treason and later excelled to Spain. â€Å"He had served six years at hard labor in a rock quarry in Cuba and Spain as punishment† (Jeffers, 1996) In 1881 Marti was back in t he US writing with newspapers on the injustices that were going on in Latin America. Unfortunately he soon realized the only way independence from Spain was to come was thought war. After aligning himself with militants 1884 he began the overthrow of the government. In 1894 Marti and a small group of insurgents landed on the island of Cuba. After a brief struggle Marti was killed. â€Å"On May 20, near the little town of Dos Rios, Jose Marti took a Spanish bullet through the heart† (Jeffers, 1996) His sacrifice would galvanized a nation for independence and soon they look to the US for help. â€Å"In 1895 after decades of futile revolt, a simmering Cuba erupted into a full-scale war for independence, Spanish reaction was swift and brutal† (Somerlott, 2002) On February 15, 1898 the USS Maine a battleship sent to Cuba with the purpose of escorting and protecting Americans mysteriously exploded Havana harbor. The ship sank with the loss of 260 Sailors. The American pr ess wanting war stoked the fires of hate across the nation. Using unproven accusations of sabotage at Spain war was inevitable. â€Å"The explosion which destroyed the Maine was the