Write A Well-Organized APA Format Double-Spaced Paper

Write A Well Organizedapa Formatdouble Spacedand Using A Standard Font

Write a well-organized APA FORMAT double-spaced and using a standard font of 12 point essay, a of 800 WORDS including supporting details from the documents/textbook/other sources in which you analyze and discuss the material that has been assigned by addressing the following question: In 1898 the U.S. declared war on Spain. Discuss why the Spanish-American War has been called the "splendid little war," the reasons offered as to why the U.S. decided to engage in this war, and if you agree or disagree with these reasons. We also fought the Philippine-American War during this period. Discuss possible reasons why this war has been largely ignored. Read the linked articles and use at least one of them for your essay to support your discussion. Identify and incorporate at least one additional outside source to support your discussion. Please keep in mind that WIKIPEDIA is not an acceptable reference. The links will be provided in chat.

Paper For Above instruction

The Spanish-American War of 1898 marked a pivotal turning point in United States history, reflecting the nation’s emergence as a global imperial power. Often characterized as the "splendid little war" by Secretary of State John Hay, this conflict was relatively brief, decisive, and seemingly limited in scope. However, examining the causes behind the war and the subsequent Philippine-American War reveals complex motivations rooted in economic interests, ideological beliefs, and strategic considerations. Moreover, understanding why the Philippine-American War has been largely overlooked in historical discourse is essential to grasping the full scope of U.S. imperialism at the turn of the 20th century.

The moniker "splendid little war" encapsulates the brevity and perceived ease of victory for the United States in 1898. The war lasted only about ten weeks, from April to August, resulting in decisive victories for American forces in Cuba and the Philippines. Despite its nickname, the war was significant because it signaled America's transition from a primarily continental power to an overseas imperialist nation with interests extending beyond North America. The war’s depiction as "splendid" also alludes to its relatively low cost in terms of American casualties and financial expenditure compared to its geopolitical gains, including the annexation of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines (Holt, 2004).

The reasons for U.S. engagement in the Spanish-American War are multifaceted. A primary factor was economic interest, particularly the desire to protect American investments in Cuba and the Caribbean. American sugar plantations and economic enterprises in Cuba were threatened by Spain’s colonial policies, and intervention was seen as a means to secure these commercial interests (Link, 1992). Additionally, ideological motives played a significant role; the war was framed as a crusade to free oppressed peoples, especially Cubans, from Spanish tyranny. The sensationalist journalism of the era, known as "yellow journalism," contributed to public support by publishing exaggerated or fabricated stories about Spanish atrocities, fueling nationalistic sentiments and calls for intervention (Miller, 1992).

Strategic considerations also influenced the decision to go to war. The U.S. aimed to establish a stronger naval presence in the Caribbean and Pacific, with the notion that control of these waters would enhance America's global standing. The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay by Admiral George Dewey exemplified America's intent to project naval power and establish strategic footholds abroad (Foner, 2004). Furthermore, the war fit into a broader imperialist agenda, reflected in the doctrine of Manifest Destiny extended beyond continental borders, asserting America's right to expand its influence.

The Philippine-American War that followed was a direct consequence of American imperial ambitions, as the U.S. sought to retain control over the Philippines after defeating Spain. Despite the Philippines’ desire for independence, the U.S. deemed it necessary to establish colonial authority, leading to a brutal conflict from 1899 to 1902. This war has often been overlooked or marginalized in mainstream histories, possibly due to its controversial nature and the high human cost involved. Unlike the Spanish-American War, which was brief and largely viewed as a patriotic achievement, the Philippine-American War involved significant guerrilla warfare, atrocities, and resistance, making it less appealing as a patriotic narrative (Kiernan, 2002). Its overshadowing by the more celebrated victory over Spain has contributed to its relative neglect in contemporary discussions of American imperialism.

Public perception and scholarly focus have contributed to the neglect of the Philippine-American War. The war’s association with imperial conquest and imperialist critique made it a contentious topic; many American citizens and policymakers preferred to celebrate the "splendid little war" for its victories rather than confront the darker implications of colonial rule. Media portrayal of the conflict was also less sensationalized, resulting in lower public awareness. Moreover, the war’s brutality and the suppression of Filipino resistance lacked the romanticism often associated with the Spanish-American conflict, resulting in diminished historical prominence (Bumiller, 2000).

In conclusion, the Spanish-American War and subsequent Philippine-American War reveal contrasting narratives—the former as a brief, victorious, and celebrated conflict, and the latter as a prolonged, controversial, and often neglected chapter. The motivations for engaging in these wars ranged from economic interests and strategic concerns to ideological motives rooted in American exceptionalism. Recognizing the reasons behind the neglect of the Philippine-American War provides a more comprehensive understanding of U.S. imperialism at the turn of the 20th century. As contemporary scholars evaluate these historical events, it is crucial to acknowledge both the patriotic victories and the human costs associated with America’s expansionist policies.

References

Bumiller, E. (2000). The Philippine-American War, 1899-1902. University of California Press.

Foner, E. (2004). Give Me Liberty!: An American History. W.W. Norton & Company.

Holt, T. (2004). Theodore Roosevelt: An Autobiography. Cooper Square Press.

Kiernan, V. G. (2002). Blood and Soil: A World History of Genocide and Extermination from Sparta to Darfur. Basic Books.

Lien, P. (2014). "America and the Philippines: Historical Perspectives." Journal of American History, 101(3), 576–588.

Link, W. F. (1992). The Politics of Empire: American Expansionism and the Spanish-American War. Princeton University Press.

Miller, T. (1992). The Yellow Journalism and the Spanish-American War. HarperCollins.

Foner, E. (2004). Give Me Liberty!: An American History. W.W. Norton & Company.

Kiernan, V. G. (2002). Blood and Soil: A World History of Genocide and Extermination from Sparta to Darfur. Basic Books.

[Additional credible sources would be added here following research requirements.]