Which statement describes the Spanish military during the Spanish-American War?

The statement that the Spanish military was ill-prepared and ineffective accurately reflects the conditions faced by Spain during the Spanish-American War in 1898. The Spanish military struggled with outdated equipment, poor logistics, and insufficient training, which severely hampered their operational effectiveness.

In terms of preparation, Spain entered the war at a disadvantage due to its military being stretched thin across its colonial holdings and engaged in conflicts elsewhere, such as in Cuba and the Philippines. Additionally, the war exposed significant weaknesses in leadership and strategy, further contributing to Spain's inability to respond effectively to American military tactics.

The impact of these deficiencies becomes evident through various battles during the war, notably the naval engagement at Santiago, where the Spanish fleet was decisively defeated by the U.S. Navy. This defeat highlighted the lack of modernization and adaptation in Spain's naval strategy. Furthermore, the land forces, comprised of troops that often lacked adequate supplies and reinforcements, faced overwhelming opposition from American forces utilizing modern tactics and superior technology.

Overall, the characterization of the Spanish military as ill-prepared and ineffective captures the broader context of Spain’s inability to maintain its colonial dominance against the emergent power of the United States during the conflict.