25 Photos from Inside the Spanish-American War

In 1898, growing tension between Cuba and its Spanish colonizers boiled over into the Spanish-American war.

Published 3 weeks ago in Wow

In the late 1890s, growing tension between Cuba and its Spanish colonizers boiled over with the appointment of a new governor, "The Butcher," and the mysterious destruction of the American USS Maine in Havana Harbor. Sent to protect US citizens, the ship's destruction prompted President William McKinley to place a blockade on Cuba, with Spain declaring war soon after.

The superior American Navy made quick work of Spain across 1898 in both the Caribbean and Pacific, with the United States claiming control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Cuba asserted its independence, although effectively became a US protectorate.

Here are 25 photos from the war of 1898, the conflict that put the United States on the world map as a global super power.

1
USS Maine
Entering Havana Bay.

2
USS Maine
After the explosion.

3
Leaving for Cuba
10th U.S. Cavalry, Port Tampa.
4
Buffalo Soldiers
Posing for a picture at Camp Wikoff after returning from Cuba during the Spanish-American War.

5
Signal Corps
Extending telegraph lines.
6
Fort Malate Middle
Taking down the Spanish flag.
7
Teddy Roosevelt
And the Rough Riders at the captured San Juan Hill.

8
USS Iowa
On the prowl.
9
The Treaty of Paris
Signing the document that "ended" the war, December, 1898.
10
Cuban Soldiers
Already fighting against Spain before the war.

11
American Transport Ship Seneca
A troop carrier to Puerto Rico and Cuba.
12
Spanish Cruiser Cristóbal Colón
Later destroyed during the Battle of Santiago.
13
Spanish Troops
On their way to meet American forces in Puerto Rico.

14
Spanish Battleship Pelayo
And the rest of Cámara's fleet in the Suez Canal.
15
Filipino Soldiers
Fighting for the Spanish, outside Manila. Desiring their own independence, the Philippine-American War directly followed the Spanish-American war.
16
USS Iowa
Crew take a group photo.