The Spanish-American War
The Monroe Doctrine declared that the United States would oppose efforts by outside powers to control a nation in the Western Hemisphere. The United States used the Doctrine to settle a dispute between Great Britain and Venezuela over territory off the border of Venezuela. In order to stay friendly with the United States, Britain left the territory alone. This incident made the United States aware of its power as a nation.
Cuba, an island off the coast of Florida, was controlled by Spain. Increased taxes and restrictions on trade led to a Cuban rebellion against Spain. Many Cubans were forced to live in concentration camps as the Spanish military put down the rebellion. The Spanish troops forced many Cubans to live in deplorable conditions. The United States government refused to intervene. Publisher William Hearst used sensational yellow journalism to publicize the plight of the Cubans, and the American public threw their support behind the Cuban rebels fighting against Spain.
