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Causes of the Spanish-American War

Explore the key factors and events that led to the Spanish-American War in this Grade 9 Social Studies worksheet.

Grade 9 Social studies HistoryU.S. HistoryCauses of the Spanish-american War
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Includes

Multiple ChoiceFill in the BlanksTrue / FalseShort Answer

Standards

D2.His.2.9-12.2

Topics

Spanish-American WarU.S. HistoryImperialismYellow JournalismMaine
6 sections · Free to use · Printable
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Causes of the Spanish-American War

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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. This worksheet covers the major causes that led to the Spanish-American War.

1. Which of the following was a major factor in American public opinion turning against Spain prior to the war?

a

Spain's strong economic ties with the U.S.

b

Yellow journalism's sensationalized stories about Spanish atrocities in Cuba

c

Spain's peaceful withdrawal from Cuba

d

The U.S. government's official endorsement of Spanish rule

2. The explosion of which U.S. Navy ship in Havana Harbor was a direct catalyst for the Spanish-American War?

a

USS Arizona

b

USS Enterprise

c

USS Maine

d

USS Constitution

3.   was a style of newspaper reporting that emphasized sensationalism over facts, greatly influencing American public opinion towards war with Spain.

4. The DeLôme Letter, which criticized President McKinley, was intercepted and published, fueling American outrage against  .

5. The United States was primarily interested in acquiring new territories for economic expansion and strategic military bases, which contributed to the desire for war with Spain.

T

True

F

False

6. Spain willingly granted independence to Cuba and Puerto Rico prior to the outbreak of hostilities, thus averting war with the United States.

T

True

F

False

7. Briefly explain the concept of 'humanitarian concerns' and how it played a role in the American push for intervention in Cuba.

8. Describe how American economic interests in Cuba contributed to the growing tensions between the United States and Spain.