HIUS 380: Modern American Military History
Professor Snead
Unit I: The Spanish-American War and the
Rise of the United States as a World Power
Why Study U.S. Military History?
Military history is important because it helps explain how the United States developed as a
nation and as a world power. The history of the U.S. military reflects broader changes in
American society and government.
Three major developments are especially important:
1. The changing role of the military in peace and war
o The size and purpose of the military have changed depending on the nation's
circumstances.
o The United States has repeatedly had to balance maintaining a military during
peacetime with rapidly expanding it during wartime.
2. Education and professionalization
o The U.S. military gradually developed more professional training, education, and
organizational structures.
o Military schools, officer training, and professional planning became increasingly
important.
3. Technological transformation
o Military technology changed dramatically between 1898 and the modern era.
o Developments such as battleships, submarines, aircraft, tanks, nuclear weapons,
and advanced communications transformed warfare.
The Spanish-American War
Causes of the War
Several factors contributed to the Spanish-American War in 1898.
Economic Interests and Expansion
, The United States had growing economic interests outside of North America. American leaders
increasingly viewed overseas territories as important for trade, military strategy, and national
power.
The United States also experienced a strong missionary impulse. Many Americans believed the
country had a responsibility to spread American political, economic, and cultural ideals abroad.
This was connected to the broader expansionist mindset of the late nineteenth century.
The Explosion of the USS Maine
In February 1898, the USS Maine exploded and sank in Havana Harbor, Cuba.
At the time, many Americans blamed Spain for the explosion. However, the Spanish were not
proven to have caused the disaster. The explosion nevertheless increased American anger toward
Spain.
Yellow Journalism
Newspapers used sensationalized reporting to increase public outrage and build support for war.
This practice became known as yellow journalism.
The destruction of the Maine, combined with sensationalized newspaper coverage, helped create
intense pressure for the United States to intervene in Cuba.
The United States Enters the War
When the war began, the United States was not prepared for a major overseas conflict.
The regular U.S. Army numbered approximately 27,000 soldiers, and many of those soldiers
lacked the training and organization necessary for a large-scale military operation overseas.
Congress expanded the Army and called for volunteers. Approximately 200,000
volunteers joined the military. Some had previous experience in state militias, but many were
essentially new recruits.
Initial Military Strategy
General Nelson A. Miles initially supported a cautious strategy.
His plan was to:
Expand and train the Army.
Professor Snead
Unit I: The Spanish-American War and the
Rise of the United States as a World Power
Why Study U.S. Military History?
Military history is important because it helps explain how the United States developed as a
nation and as a world power. The history of the U.S. military reflects broader changes in
American society and government.
Three major developments are especially important:
1. The changing role of the military in peace and war
o The size and purpose of the military have changed depending on the nation's
circumstances.
o The United States has repeatedly had to balance maintaining a military during
peacetime with rapidly expanding it during wartime.
2. Education and professionalization
o The U.S. military gradually developed more professional training, education, and
organizational structures.
o Military schools, officer training, and professional planning became increasingly
important.
3. Technological transformation
o Military technology changed dramatically between 1898 and the modern era.
o Developments such as battleships, submarines, aircraft, tanks, nuclear weapons,
and advanced communications transformed warfare.
The Spanish-American War
Causes of the War
Several factors contributed to the Spanish-American War in 1898.
Economic Interests and Expansion
, The United States had growing economic interests outside of North America. American leaders
increasingly viewed overseas territories as important for trade, military strategy, and national
power.
The United States also experienced a strong missionary impulse. Many Americans believed the
country had a responsibility to spread American political, economic, and cultural ideals abroad.
This was connected to the broader expansionist mindset of the late nineteenth century.
The Explosion of the USS Maine
In February 1898, the USS Maine exploded and sank in Havana Harbor, Cuba.
At the time, many Americans blamed Spain for the explosion. However, the Spanish were not
proven to have caused the disaster. The explosion nevertheless increased American anger toward
Spain.
Yellow Journalism
Newspapers used sensationalized reporting to increase public outrage and build support for war.
This practice became known as yellow journalism.
The destruction of the Maine, combined with sensationalized newspaper coverage, helped create
intense pressure for the United States to intervene in Cuba.
The United States Enters the War
When the war began, the United States was not prepared for a major overseas conflict.
The regular U.S. Army numbered approximately 27,000 soldiers, and many of those soldiers
lacked the training and organization necessary for a large-scale military operation overseas.
Congress expanded the Army and called for volunteers. Approximately 200,000
volunteers joined the military. Some had previous experience in state militias, but many were
essentially new recruits.
Initial Military Strategy
General Nelson A. Miles initially supported a cautious strategy.
His plan was to:
Expand and train the Army.
