Spanish-American War

In this episode, we explore the Spanish-American War of 1898, a short but transformative conflict that marked the decline of the Spanish Empire and the emergence of the United States as a global power. Sparked by the mysterious explosion of the USS Maine and intensified by the influence of yellow journalism, the war culminated in a decisive American victory and the Treaty of Paris, through which the U.S. gained control of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines while establishing a protectorate over Cuba. Beyond battlefield strategy in the Caribbean and Pacific, we examine the devastating toll of disease, the political and legal debates over American imperialism, and how this pivotal moment reshaped national identities and ushered in a new era of U.S. involvement in international affairs.