How did the U.S. respond to the Cuban War for Independence from Spain?

The U.S. response to the Cuban War for Independence from Spain was characterized by military intervention, which culminated in the Spanish-American War in 1898. This intervention was influenced by several factors, including rising sympathy among the American public for the Cuban struggle for independence, driven by sensationalist journalism and the stories of atrocities committed by Spanish forces against Cuban insurgents.

The context of the time reflected a broader trend of American expansionism and imperialism, as the U.S. sought to assert its influence in the Caribbean and beyond. The conflict was catalyzed by the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which fueled public outrage and calls for military action against Spain. Thus, the military intervention marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, transitioning from a stance of relative isolationism to active involvement in overseas conflicts.

The outcome was a decisive victory for the U.S. and led to significant territorial acquisitions, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, while simultaneously establishing the U.S. as a colonial power in the region. This military engagement was pivotal in shaping the future of U.S. relations in Latin America and the Pacific.