Invading Cuba
The Spanish owned multiple colonies, but one that stood out over all was Cuba. Cuba is a small island located 90 miles off the coast of the United States. Cuba exported multiple goods such as sugar, fruit, and tobacco to America, as well as the rest of the world. Eventually becoming agitated by Spanish rule, Cuba held movements of independence in attempt to free themselves from Spain. The Spanish were over ruling and there had to be something done about it. By 1880, the Cubans officially seemed out of control and were destined to be emancipated from the Spanish colonies. With Cuba falling apart, they began to have issues with America which eventually lead to the U.S. invasion. There were many possible reasons for the invasion, varying to extreme to purposeless explanations. Although some people believe that the reason for the United States invasion was the want to govern Cuba, their true reason was to seek revenge for the death of their battleship, the USS Maine.
On January 28, 1898, President William McKinley ordered the USS Maine to enter the Havanan harbor. The ship resembled America's pride and symbolized America's "increasing world influence." "How proudly sailed the warship Maine, a Nation’s pride, without a stain! A wreck she lies, her sailors slain. By Treacherous butchers, paid by Spain!" But on February 15th the symbolic ship was destroyed; 268 Americans were killed. No one was certain who was capable or responsible for this devastating explosion. About three months later, America declared war on Spain, holding them responsible for the death of their beloved ship. America was trying to avenge the death of their ship; "Avenge the cruel blow! And crush their marble heart!"
Looking deep into other meanings on why the U.S. invaded Cuba, people have came up with the idea of the Americans wanting to govern Cuba to make profit off of their natural resources. In the March of the Flag speech, Albert J. Beveridge talks about how everyone needs permission to govern people, only applying to those "who are capable of self- government." He stated that the Cubans are not self governed and that taking them over would create better opportunities. If the United States took over Cuba, Americans would be creating "employment and better wages for every laboring man in the Union." The U.S invaded simply wanting to expand the Liberty that America brings.
To this day, it has remained a mystery as to why the United States truly invaded Cuba in 1898. Looking at all the possible reasons for the U.S. invasion, in my option, the revenge for their battleship, the USS Maine, is the most reasonable explanation. When their beloved ship was destroyed, Americans were very upset. With all their anger, they decided to invade Cuba. Looking at the other explanation of wanting to govern Cuba doesn't add up. If Cuba didn't want to be under the government of America, why would America be so upset about it, why would we care so much to go to the extreme of the invasion. We still do not know why or what truly urged the U.S. towards invading Cuba, but using historical writings and quotes, it is safe to assume that the USS Maine's destruction was a leading cause.
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