The United States does not have fair justification for its war with Spain. It was a war simply to gain power and prestige. The main reason for the war was Cuba. Cuba was under Spanish rule for many years. It has been in their possession since the height of their empire to its weakened stages during this period. Spain governed the land and therefore had to deal with the problems there. It was there responsibility to find an effective way to prevent a rebellion. Unfortunately, they mistreated the Cubans badly. They put down revolts with force rather than negotiations.

The United States only declared war on Spain because it was weak and they knew they would win. U.S. weaponry surpassed any of the Spain's. Spain was also weak and its once great empire was crumbling. Their only major possessions were Cuba and the Philippines. Americans wanted influence in both of t

hese territories. This caused resentment of Spanish rule. Also, news of Spanish atrocities in Cuba caused much anti- Spanish sentiment in the United States. This also created nationwide sympathy for the Cuban cause for independence.

Another major factor for U.S. intervention was for commercial reasons. Cuba was a very prosperous island. Its leading export was sugar. The Cuban revolt was hurting the exportation of sugar and also hurting American businessmen. There were American citizens as well as investments in Cuba. The rebellion put both in danger. Also, if the U.S. could help aid the rebellion and force out Spain, the United States would reap the economic benefits of the island. This could mean a large boost in trade and commerce for America. The U.S. would get first rights to the Cuban market in the event of independence. Even though this would be good for the United States, it does not justify the war. Cuba was a Spanish possession and we should have recognized this by the inherent code of world politics. If they were there first, we should not force them out because it suits us better. We should have let the revolution takes its course and let the Cubans work it out themselves. They would have probably achieved independence anyway.

3) Chidsey, Donald Barr. The Spanish-American War: A Behind the Scenes Account of the War in Cuba.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1105
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)