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Spanish American War Essay Topics

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Ava Walker
Mr. Wormell
USHH1
8 May 2023
Spanish American War Essay
Throughout the history of the United States of America, the Spanish-American war has been illustrated as the United States stepping in and assisting Cuba in a time of need. The United States offered their aid to Cuba to obtain freedom and independence just like they had received from France in the Revolutionary War. However, this illustration is not universally perceived. As, the United States of America wrongfully forced themselves into Cuba's fight for independence against Spain and consequently stole land and power. Ultimately the United State’s involvement in Cuba's fight for independence created an imperialistic war solely benefitting the United States of America.
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In the midst of “helping Cuba”, the United States also turned their attention to other territories close to the borders including Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and Hawaii. During the late stages of the War, the United States proposed a treaty of annexation on Hawaii, which would allow the U.S. to establish a military base in Hawaii, claiming its use was to help with the pursuit of the war. However, this treaty violated the fundamental principles of the United States by imposing on the freedoms of citizens, an ideal the United States claimed to be very passionate about following. The United States went on to establish military occupation in Honolulu, without the consent of the Hawaiians. This left President Cleveland of Hawaii to have to tell his people in a letter that,” It appears that Hawaii was taken possession of by the United States forces without the consent or wish of the government of the islands, or of anybody else”(President Cleveland on Hawaii). By establishing a military base in Hawaii without the consent of anyone other than themselves the United States yet again demonstrated their selfishness in a pursuit for them to gain more territory, and used the excuse of assisting in the war as a deception to push their way into Hawaii.
Although some may argue that the United States successfully assisted Cuba in gaining their independence, this idea is inaccurate. Following the end of the Spanish-American war the United States did not choose to fight for ownership of the country of Cuba, however in agreement for the U.S.A, to un-occupied the country they created a treaty of independence for Cuba, and within that treaty was a rule known as the Platt

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