Spanish American War

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Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War was different from many other wars because it did not deal with America's rights; nevertheless it dealt with our issues over expansionism. The war was caused by yellow journalism, sinking of the main, and the de Lome letter in which he discussed his bad faith with America. The Spanish-American War was a "splendid little war" because it demonstrated the enormous influence of yellow journalism, changed the balance in the Federal Government, and most importantly, marked the clear emergence of the United States as both a world and imperialistic power.

The Spanish-American War demonstrated enormous influence of the press in shaping of public opinion and, indirectly, government policy. The press brought large numbers of people together by keeping them informed of what's going on overseas. The press also showed blacks and whites fighting side by side against a common foe, helping to ease the wounds still left from the civil war. Newspapers circulated The De Lome letter written by the Spanish minister to a friend in Cuba. He criticized President McKinley as a weak and incompetent President. As McKinley tried to maintain neutrality, public feelings were fanned by yellow journalism, which created a government policy.

The Spanish-American War had two major effects regarding the balance of power among the Federal branches of Government. Although the war did not exactly upset the balance of power between or among the branches, it greatly increased the powers of both the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch. The Executive power was tremendously increased during the war and afterwards in the many appointments made in order to administer the newly acquired territories. Likewise, Legislative authority also increased the power of American Imperialism and expansionism prospered as a result of the war.

When the United States declared war the military was not ready. The army comprised of about...
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