Influence on the Spanish-American War

Yellow journalism heavily influenced the United States' intervention in the Spanish-American War by persuading the public and the government that action was necessary to protect the future of the country.

 "Should the United States engage in War with Spain?"

"To the mind that feeds on yellow journalism as a steady diet the war situation must seem now somewhat blurred and indefinite."

~ The New-York Daily Tribune, Friday, February 19, 1897

Striking headlines drew sympathy from Americans, while political Illustrations promoted the war and increased public support.

{"Our Terms" (1898), Eugene Zimmerman}


{The Salt Lake Herald}

{Puck Illustration Collection}


"The duty of the hour - to save her not only from Spain but from a worse fate."

~ Joseph Keppler

sensationalized Reporting

"You furnish the pictures and I'll furnish the war."

~ William Randolph Hearst

The Sinking of the USS Maine

The deaths of over 250 American Sailors convinced President McKinley to declare war, despite his reservations. (U.S. History 22.2: The Spanish-American War and Overseas Empire)

{Naval History and Heritage Command}

The De Lome Letter

{De Lome Letter, National Archives}



Intercepted by Cuban rebels and published by the yellow press, the letter fueled anti-Spanish sentiment among Americans.

"...it once more shows what McKinley is, weak and a bidder for the admiration of the crowd..."

~ Enrique Dupuy de Lome


Political Cartoons

The yellow press depicted Spain as a

cruel tyrant.

{PBS: Crucible of Empire}

Evangelina Cisneros

a young imprisoned Cuban woman, rescued by Americans

{Guantanamo Public Memory Project}

{American University}

Cisneros received publicity and came to symbolize Cubans awaiting a savior under merciless Spanish tyranny.