The Prelude to the Spanish-American War: Blockading Cuban Ports and the Birth of the Rough Riders

Posted on by admin in Spanish-American War, TDH - 04/21, TDH - 04/22

Introduction

The Spanish-American War was a turning point in American history, marking the United States’ emergence as a global power. Two critical events on April 21, 1898, set the stage for the impending conflict: the U.S. Navy began blockading Cuban ports, and Congress authorized the creation of the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, known as the “Rough Riders.”

The Cuban War of Independence and the USS Maine Explosion

The Cuban War of Independence (1895-1898) was a struggle for freedom from Spanish colonial rule. As the conflict escalated, American sympathies largely favored the Cuban rebels. The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, fueled anti-Spanish sentiment in the United States. Many Americans believed Spain was responsible for the explosion, though the actual cause remains unclear.

Blockading Cuban Ports: A Bold Move by President McKinley

On April 21, 1898, President William McKinley ordered the U.S. Navy to blockade Cuban ports with the United States and Spain on the brink of War. The blockade aimed to cut off supplies to Spanish forces in Cuba and provide support for the Cuban rebels. The Spanish-American War’s first action occurred when, on April 22, 1898, the USS Nashville captured a Spanish merchant ship, the Buenaventura, off Key West, Florida.

The Birth of the Rough Riders

On the same day, April 21, 1898, Congress authorized the creation of the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry. This unit, popularly known as the “Rough Riders,” was a diverse group of volunteers that included cowboys, miners, law enforcement officials, and college athletes. The Rough Riders were led by Colonel Leonard Wood and future U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, who served as second-in-command.

The Rough Riders played a significant role in the Spanish-American War, particularly during the Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba. Their bravery and daring exploits captured the American public’s imagination and contributed to Theodore Roosevelt’s later political success.

The Spanish-American War and its Aftermath

The United States officially declared War on Spain on April 25, 1898, initiating the Spanish-American War. The conflict lasted for just over three months and saw decisive U.S. victories in Cuba and the Philippines. The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, ended the War and began the United States’ emergence as a global power. Spain relinquished control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States, effectively ending the Spanish Empire in the Americas and the Pacific.

Conclusion

April 21, 1898, events set the stage for the Spanish-American War and the United States’ rise as a global power. The blockade of Cuban ports and the formation of the Rough Riders demonstrated the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting Cuban independence and its willingness to intervene in regional conflicts. These actions shaped the course of the Spanish-American War. They had lasting consequences for American foreign policy and the nation’s role on the world stage.

Key Learning Points:

  • Tensions between the United States and Spain escalated due to the Cuban War of Independence, with the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, further increasing tensions.
  • On April 21, 1898, President William McKinley ordered the U.S. Navy to blockade Cuban ports. The blockade aimed to cut off supplies to Spanish forces in Cuba and support Cuban rebels.
  • The USS Nashville captured a Spanish merchant ship, the Buenaventura, off Key West, Florida, marking the first action of the Spanish-American War.
  • Congress authorized the creation of the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, also known as the “Rough Riders,” on April 21, 1898.
  • The Rough Riders were a diverse group of volunteers led by Colonel Leonard Wood and future U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.
  • The Spanish-American War officially began on April 25, 1898, when the United States declared War on Spain, and lasted for just over three months.
  • The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, ended the conflict and began the United States’ emergence as a global power.