Untitled Document

There are major historical figures who were important to the Spanish-American War. Click on the pictures below to learn more about each of them. You will need this information to complete the activity on the next page.

Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Source: Henry Cabot Lodge, Library of Congress	Henry Cabot Lodge was a U.S. Senator who was an influential spokesman and major supporter for the Spanish-American War. He supported the annexation of the Philippines at the end of the Spanish-American War. As a result of the naval success during the war, the U.S. Navy helped the United States move into a position of world power.
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Source: Alfred Thayer Mahan, Library of Congress.	Alfred Thayer Mahan was an American naval officer and strategist who influenced the increase of U.S. sea power with his book, The Influence of Sea Power upon History. He served on the Naval War Board during the Spanish-American War. Many credit him with helping the American navy become a powerful force on the seas.
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Source: Theodore Roosevelt, Library of Congress	Theodore Roosevelt was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy in 1897. Roosevelt was responsible for preparing the Navy for the Spanish American War. Once the war was underway, Roosevelt resigned from the Navy and helped found a group of volunteer forces called the "Rough Riders." They became famous for winning the battle at San Juan Hill. Roosevelt is pictured here in his Rough Rider uniform.
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Source: William Randolph Hearst, Library of Congress	William Randolph Hearst owned the New York Journal, the newspaper famous for its use of illustrations and sensationalized and sometimes exaggerated headlines during the Spanish-American War. Hearst hired famous writers such as Stephen Crane and artist Frederic Remington to chronicle the events of the Spanish-American War. Hearst's newspapers are said to be responsible for influencing public opinion that led to the war.
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Source: Joseph Pulitzer, National Park Service	Joseph Pulitzer was the owner of New York World newspaper who also participated in yellow journalism during the Spanish-American War. Pulitzer's newspaper also produced sensationalized headlines that influenced public opinion that influenced the American decision to declare war on Spain.