Roosevelt and The Spanish American War

The Spanish-American War took place in 1898. Prior to the war, tension was growing between the United States and the Spanish, particularly after the diplomatic dispute known as the Virginius Affair in 1873. After receiving reports about Spanish atrocities in the neighboring country of Cuba, the Americans were getting more indignant. The US government became more furious after the mysterious sinking of the US Battleship Maine. Since the ship sunk in Havana, the US suspected that the Spanish were responsible. Although William McKinley, the US president during that time, tried to avoid the war, the Spanish declared war on the US on April 23, 1898.

The primary issue of the war was the independence of Cuba, and the war continued for ten weeks. The war turned out to be one sided with the Americans easily overpowering the Spanish in naval and military maneuvers. After the war, the Americans took colonial possession on Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico. The US also had a temporary control over Cuba. More importantly, the American victory ended the long reigning Spanish Empire. The Spanish-American War is remembered especially for the valiant military efforts of Theodore Roosevelt and the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, also named the Rough Riders.

After the war was declared in 1898, Roosevelt, who was serving the US Navy, resigned from the naval forces, and formed the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. The Rough Riders comprised of men from different backgrounds who were pulled together by Roosevelt. Some of them included cowboys and Ivy League athletes from New York. Roosevelt became the Lieutenant Colonel of the Rough Riders and served under Colonel Leonard Wood. 

Under Roosevelt’s keen leadership, the Rough Riders trained vigorously before the battle. The battle took place in San Juan Heights close to Cuba’s capital, Santiago. Since most of the troop transport was full, the Rough Rider cavalry had to abandon their horses and travel to the battlefront by foot. Although they were at a disadvantage, the leadership and the training provided by Roosevelt helped the Rough Riders to capture San Juan Hill from the Spanish. Within a few days, the Spanish naval fleet fled from Cuban harbors and the war came to a close with a resounding victory for the Americans. For his role in the charge on San Juan Hill, Roosevelt became a war hero back home in the United States.

The charge up the San Juan Hill was the pivotal event in the political career of Theodore Roosevelt. Before the war, Roosevelt was serving as the Assistant Secretary in the US Navy but Roosevelt’s popularity skyrockets after the victory of the cavalry regiment in Cuba. He was also recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor, but due to certain political opposition, he was denied the medal. Later, he contested and won the governorship of New York. The following year, Roosevelt was selected as the Vice President of the US, serving under President McKinley. In 1901, President McKinley was assassinated and Roosevelt became the 26^th President of the United States of America.

For more information on Roosevelt and the Spanish American War, please refer to the following links:

• The Spanish-American War: Offers detailed information on the Spanish American War.
• Theodore Roosevelt: A short biography of Theodore Roosevelt from the White House.
• Rough Riders: Provides information on Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders.
• Rough Riders Manuscript: More information on the most famous regiment of the Spanish-American War.
• Library of Congress: An introduction to the Spanish American War.
• Roosevelt: A look at Theodore Roosevelt and the Medal of Honor.
• US Defence: An article on the significance of the Spanish American War.
• About Teddy Roosevelt: A place to learn about Teddy Roosevelt, the Rough Riders, and the sinking of the USS Maine.
• Theodore Biography: Short biography of Teddy Roosevelt.
• USS Maine: Provides details about the destruction of the battleship.