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The Spanish-American War was a short war that lasted from April to August of 1898 between the United States and the Kingdom of Spain. In January 1898, the battleship USS Maine was sent to Cuba to protect U.S. interests during a period of insurrection and civil disturbance. On February 15, 1898, at 9:40 pm, the Maine exploded, killing 274 men on the ship. While some modern investigations have concluded that the cause was an internal explosion, conclusions at the time focused on a mine placed by Spain. This, combined with deteriorating conditions in Cuba, convinced the Congress to declare war against the Kingdom of Spain.
The actual war was short and decisive and focused on 2 major theaters: the Caribbean and the South Pacific. The most famous battle of the war was the battle of San Juan Hill where Lt. Col. Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt led the 1st Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, known as the Rough Riders, to take Kettle Hill. As a result of his heroism, Roosevelt was elected Vice President 3 years later, and succeded William McKinley shortly after his election when McKinley was assassinated.
While the war between Spain and the U.S. was very short, it led to several other conflicts around the world that kept the United States in a state of constant military engagement after the war. The largely forgotten Philippene-American War lasted until 1902, with sporadic guerilla fighting lasting until 1913. Other conflicts of the time that the United States was involved with include the Boxer Rebellion in China, the Second Samoan Civil War, and the Occupation of Nicaragua.
The total number of United States servicemen killed in both wars was 7,613.
There are 2 names on the memorial from the Spanish-American War. |
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Return to the War Memorial
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