Question

americans call for war with spain
1897- spain does the following:
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tensions cooled for a minute. but, in 1898 two things happened that led
america to call for war with spain.
the de lome letter incites the public (record three key facts)
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newspapers decry the maine incident (three key facts about what happened)

• the maine was sent to protect american interest in cuba

(just in case).
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Explanation:

To complete the worksheet about the events leading to the Spanish - American War:

For "The de Lome Letter Incites the Public" (3 key facts):

1. Content of the letter: The de Lome letter was written by the Spanish ambassador to the United States, Enrique Dupuy de Lôme. In it, he criticized President McKinley, calling him weak and overly concerned with public opinion.
2. Publication of the letter: The letter was intercepted and then published by the New York Journal, a sensationalist newspaper. This publication was a deliberate act to stir up anti - Spanish sentiment among the American public.
3. Public reaction: The publication of the letter caused a huge public outcry in the United States. It made Americans feel insulted and increased the already existing tensions between the US and Spain, pushing the country closer to war.

For "Newspapers Decry the Maine Incident" (remaining 2 key facts, with one already provided):

1. Sinking of the Maine: On February 15, 1898, the USS Maine, an American battleship, exploded and sank in Havana Harbor, Cuba. Around 266 American sailors lost their lives in this incident.
2. Blame on Spain: American newspapers, especially the yellow - press ones like the New York Journal and the New York World, immediately blamed Spain for the sinking of the Maine. They used headlines and articles to whip up public anger against Spain, even though the actual cause of the explosion (whether it was a mine or an internal explosion) was not initially clear. The slogan "Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!" became popular, and this media - driven outrage was a major factor in pushing the US towards war with Spain.

For "1897 - Spain does the following" (assuming the blanks are for actions by Spain to initially ease tensions):

1. End of Reconcentration Camps: Spain ended the reconcentration camp policy in Cuba. This policy, which was used to control the Cuban rebels, had led to the deaths of many Cuban civilians due to poor living conditions, starvation, and disease. Ending it was an attempt to reduce international criticism, especially from the US.
2. Recall of General Weyler: Spain recalled General Valeriano Weyler from Cuba. Weyler was known for his harsh tactics in dealing with the Cuban rebellion, and his recall was seen as a conciliatory move towards the US, which had been critical of his actions.

Answer:

The de Lome Letter Incites the Public:

• The letter criticized President McKinley.
• It was published by the New York Journal.
• It caused public outrage against Spain.

Newspapers Decry the Maine Incident:

• The USS Maine sank in Havana Harbor on Feb 15, 1898, killing ~266 sailors.
• American papers blamed Spain (without clear cause initially).
• "Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!" became a war cry.

1897 - Spain’s Actions:

• Ended reconcentration camps in Cuba.
• Recalled General Weyler from Cuba.