Spanish-American War
The Spanish-American War was a relatively short war, it lasted less than four months. Aggressions took place between April 25 and August 12, 1898. The United States fought Spain in and around the Spanish colonial possessions of Cuba and the Philippines. The United States had deep historical and emotional reasons to support the cause of Cuban Independence. The Spanish-American War marked the beginning of the United States' rise as a leading military power. The United States Navy defeated the Spanish in both the Cuban theater and in the Philippines. The Spanish General during this war was Valeriano "Butcher" Weyler y Nicolau. Weyler aroused great indignation in the United States because of his ruthlessness. Weyler was responsible for the death of thousands of Cuban peasants. The peasants died of starvation and disease in concentration camps after being placed there by General Weyler and his troops. The Cubans fought to gain independence from Spain after suffering under oppressive Spanish rule and failure of the Spanish to grant promised reforms. The Spanish government sent over 100 thousand troops to Cuba in an attempt to put an end to the rebellion. It was at this time that General "Butcher" Weyler went Cuba and began
Disorganization caused a delay in getting the American troops onto the ground. To prevent falling farther behind schedule, Roosevelt convinced General Shafter, the commander of the American forces, that the Rough Riders would be able to make up for the troops, which had not yet left the ships. On July 1, 1898 the Rough Riders and a black regiment along with others fought the Spanish at what became known as the battle on San Juan Hill. Spanish gunfire rattled the inexperienced volunteers. The black regiment, led by Lieutenant Pershing, went forward and in doing so restored the confidence of the volunteers. The Spanish gunfire did not cause the Rough Riders to panic like some of the other volunteers had. Instead, the Rough Riders raced forward yelling and screaming. Their yells and fearlessness frightened the Spanish. The Rough Riders won control of Kettle Hill, which was a small part of San Juan Hill. The battle of San Juan Hill had not been won yet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lieutenant John H. Parker who was in charge of a Gatling gun detachment led a charge up San Juan Hill. Gatling guns were like large machine guns on wheels. This was the first time Gatling guns had been used in a charge. The charge allowed the Americans to win control of San Juan Hill, but two hundred and twenty-five Americans were killed. Over 1400 Americans were wounded. Eighty-nine of the killed and/or wounded were Rough Riders. The Spanish suffered much fewer losses. On July 3, 1898, the Spanish attempted to break the American blockade on Cuba. The Spanish Navy was no match for the American fleet. There was extensive gunfire within four hours th
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Approximate Word count = 1147
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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