This collection uses primary sources to explore the Spanish-American War. Digital Public Library of America Primary Source Sets are designed to help students develop their critical thinking skills and draw diverse material from libraries, archives, and museums across the United States. Each set includes an overview, ten to fifteen primary sources, links to related resources, and a teaching guide. These sets were created and reviewed by the teachers on the DPLA's Education Advisory Committee.

This site features an online facsimile of the letter written by the Spanish Ambassador to the United States in which he criticized American President William McKinley. Its publication generated public support for a war with Spain over the issue of independence for the Spanish colony of Cuba.

This award-winning site has everything you need for online lessons or independent study about the Spanish-American War. Uses an inquiry-based approach with lots of primary sources, and the material can be used in conjunction with almost any textbook. Includes a web quest.

This 14-minute video lesson gives a basic overview of U.S. history from reconstruction to the Great Depression. [History playlist: Lesson 3 of 26]

Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.

Ninety-four primary sources-historical documents, literary texts, and visual images-that explore the challenges, opportunity, and turmoil of late-nineteenth-century America. They examine the economic expansion in an America re-united after the Civil War, the costs of that growth, and the challenges faced domestically and internationally during a time of enormous change and progress.

A political cartoon depicting a Union and a Confederate veteran united in support for the Spanish-American War. A painting entitled Twelve-Inch Gun depicting elegant officers and ladies aboard a battle ship, civilizing gentility and the fire power needed to enforce it. It is accompanied by a poem of the same title, written from the perspective of a twelve-inch gun, warning about unleashing its deadly power.

Although this is the companion site to the film, it still provides much information on the Spanish American war and era through an interactive timeline. You can also view and listen to songs that were popular during that time.

Find a copy of the Platt Amendment, written out in beautiful handwriting, which can be enlarged for easier viewing. In addiiton is a transcription of this document, and information about it. This was a document signed with Cuba after the end of the Spanish-American War which strove to protect the independence of Cuba. It also allowed the United States to lease Guantanamo Bay.

Details of the explosion aboard the USS Maine, including photo links, and the response of the American media. In addition, there is information about other aspects of the Spanish American War.

Read this essay from Roosevelt's, "The Strenuous Life," in which he discusses U.S. military forces, primarily in terms of the Spanish-American War. Excellent primary source!

Nine primary source resources describing the way people thought about progress during the Gilded Age, 1870-1912. Includes guided reading, links to supplemental material, and timeline.

U.S. History is designed to meet the scope and sequence requirements of most introductory courses. The text provides a balanced approach to U.S. history, considering the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the United States from both the top down (politics, economics, diplomacy) and bottom up (eyewitness accounts, lived experience). U.S. History covers key forces that form the American experience, with particular attention to issues of race, class, and gender.Senior Contributing AuthorsP. Scott Corbett, Ventura CollegeVolker Janssen, California State University, FullertonJohn M. Lund, Keene State CollegeTodd Pfannestiel, Clarion UniversityPaul Vickery, Oral Roberts UniversitySylvie Waskiewicz

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Explain the key features of Theodore Roosevelt’s “Square Deal”
Explain the key features of William Howard Taft’s Progressive agenda
Identify the main pieces of legislation that Woodrow Wilson’s “New Freedom” agenda comprised

Trace the causes and debates that led to the Spanish-American War, including "yellow journalism" press coverage, President McKinley's declaration of war, and sentiments about imperialism. In this interactive lesson from WGBH, students develop a written argument in response to the question "Was the U.S. justified in going to war with Spain in 1898?" They gather evidence from videos featuring historian Ben Weber and from primary source documents, images, and cartoons.