Spanish American War: National Honor, Unity and Cuban Independence

War was declared on April 23, 1898 by Spain in response to a resolution passed in the House and the Senate on April 19, 1898 declaring “that the people of the island of Cuba are, and of right ought to be free and independent” and “it is the duty of the United States to demand and the government of the United States does hereby demand that the government of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government on the island of Cuba.” (1)

This had been expected and, in some measure, looked forward to for some time. The papers had been full of news about the sufferings of the Cuban people in their struggle against Spain. But when the USS Maine blew up and killed 266 officers and men while at anchor in the Havana Harbor (2), then people felt there was an insult and harm done to America herself. As one article in the Birmingham Age Herald states, “The question at issue is, did Spain or any Spaniard blow up the Maine? If so there should be but one way to settle it . . . Shall its ships be destroyed in time of peace by citizens of a foreign country who are not over friendly to the United States and nothing be done to resent the insult?” (3)

This issue of national honor is a recurring and central theme among the newspapers and politicians. During speeches made at the House during the passing, unanimously, of an appropriations bill giving $50,000,000 to President McKinley to, in the words of Mr. Sayres of Texas, “maintain our dignity”, Mr. Allen of Mississippi stated “I desire to say for the people I represent, and for the southern section of the country, for the entire country, that there was never a time when all were so ready to give an administration all the money it might need to preserve the honor, the dignity, and the general welfare of the country, to say nothing of fair play and justice.” (4)

But equal, if not greater, emphasis is placed upon the growth of national unity that is being seen across the country in the face of a possible foreign war. The Birmingham Age Herald states “It is true there still exists an imaginary line between the north and the south. In fact it exists more in imagination than in reality. A conflict between this nation and a foreign power would do more to weld and cement the fraternal feeling between the north and south than anything that has transpired since the famous meeting at Appomattox.” (5) Or as Wade Hampton, an ex-confederate general stated in a letter to the Charlotte Daily Observer, “this was now our country; we have no other,” (6). In the north, people like Senator Proctor are saying that “it was worth all the cost of preparation for war to demonstrate what a sterling loyal spirit was cherished thought the south.” (7)

Many people are looking towards the conflict with Spain as a unifying force. There is not much fear of losing to Spain in the conflict. The Age Herald states, “A war between the United States and Spain hardly deserves to be called a war. It is so one-sided that it is disgraceful for us to display apprehension about its effects, financial or otherwise!” (8) The war is viewed as a righteous war. The provocation of Spain to war over the United States recognition of Cuban independence would, “If it resulted in the freedom of Cuba it is believed the United States would have the good will of the civilized world for bringing it about.” (9)

So, this war has been sold to the public as one of preserving national honor, promoting national unity, and securing Cuban independence. The Teller Amendment was added to the resolution seat to Spain precisely to squelch any thoughts that the United States was seeking to annex Cuba through this conflict. It states “that the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction or control over said island, except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its determination when that is accomplished to leave the government and control of the island to its people.” (10)

1. “This Means War House and Senate Adopt a Cuban Resolution:” The Biloxi Herald 14, no. 30 (April 23, 1898): 2
2. “Not Spain’s Money but American Manhood.” Birmingham Age Herald 24, no. 30 (March 1, 1898) : 4
3. “Not Spain’s Money but American Manhood.” Birmingham Age Herald 24, no. 30 (March 1, 1898) : 4
4. “ “E Pluribus Unum” in Fact” The State, March 09, 1898: 1
5. “Not Spain’s Money but American Manhood.” Birmingham Age Herald 24, no. 30 (March 1, 1898) : 4
6. “Wade Hampton Explains: Tells What Meant in His Recent Interview as to War with Spain.” Charlotte Daily Observer, March 09, 1898: 2
7. “It Was Worth the Cost” Butte Weekly Miner 19, no. 11 (March 17, 1898): 4
8. “Voice of Wall Street” Birmingham Age Herald 24, no. 30 (March 1, 1898): 4
9. “How War May Come” Butte Weekly Miner 19, no. 11 (March 17, 1898): 4
10. “Action of the Senate Declares for Recognition of Present Cuban Government: Also disclaims any intention on the Part of This Country to Proclaim Sovereignty Over Cuba” The Indiana State Journal 76, no. 16 (April 20, 1898): 1