Background
For much of the 19th century, Cuba, a Spanish colony since the 16th century, chafed under colonial rule. Growing calls for independence culminated in the Ten Years' War (1868–1878), a bloody conflict that ultimately failed but laid the groundwork for future rebellions. In 1895, another uprising erupted, known as the Cuban War of Independence. This time, the rebels under José Mart's leadership used guerilla tactics to severely damage the Spanish army.
Across the Florida Straits, the United States watched with keen interest. American public opinion, fueled by yellow journalism and humanitarian concerns, increasingly sympathized with the Cuban rebels. Additionally, American economic interests in Cuba, particularly in sugar plantations, were jeopardized by the ongoing conflict. The McKinley administration, however, initially pursued a policy of neutrality, hoping for a peaceful resolution.
As the Cuban War dragged on, tensions between the U.S. and Spain soared. American outrage flared in 1896 with the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana harbor, an event blamed on Spain despite conflicting evidence. The Spanish government, facing domestic pressure and financial strain, struggled to quell the Cuban rebellion and deflect American demands for reform. Diplomatic efforts remained frustratingly stagnant.
Yellow journalism, characterized by sensational headlines, exaggerated stories, and blatant biases, played a critical role in shaping American public opinion. Newspaper magnates like William Randolph Hearst, owner of the New York Journal, fueled anti-Spanish sentiment by portraying the Cuban conflict as a struggle for freedom against a cruel and oppressive regime. Hearst's yellow journalism, although criticized for its inaccuracies and inflammatory rhetoric, largely influenced public perception and pressured the McKinley administration towards a more assertive stance.
Domestic political considerations also influenced the situation. The upcoming 1900 presidential election played an important role, with some politicians pushing for war to bolster their nationalistic standing. Additionally, expansionist sentiments, fueled by Manifest Destiny ideology, saw Cuba as a potential gateway to further U.S. influence in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Personal dynamics also played a part in fueling the conflict. Ambassador de Lôme, despite diplomatic protocol, held critical views of the American political system and President McKinley. While his private letter wasn't intended for public consumption, its harsh statements fueled the already volatile environment.
Cuban revolutionaries, desperate for international support, intercepted the de Lôme letter through covert means. Recognizing its potential impact, they leaked it to Hearst's New York Journal, ensuring its rapid publication and sensationalized coverage.
