How the War Started

The conflict between the United States and Spain began with Cuba. Cuba was a small country that was under Spanish rule, and was struggling to gain independence. The Philippines were also struggling with being under the Spaniards, and Puerto Rico was split in opinion for independence or partnering with the U.S. As tensions started to grow, the U.S was getting closer to intervening if Spain wanted to attack. After the sinking of the U.S.S Maine, McKinley declared war on Spain on April 25, 1898.

Fun Fact: Spain was actually the first to declare war. They declared war a day before, and the U.S then responded.