Cuban Independence and the Spanish-American War

The Cuban struggle for independence from Spain began in the late 1860s, with a decade-long war followed by a brief peace. Economic ties with the US grew, but conflict resumed in 1895. The USS Maine explosion in 1898 led to the Spanish-American War, resulting in Cuba's independence. Decades later, it was found that the explosion was due to an internal fire, not sabotage.

What event marked the beginning of Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain?

• The arrival of American investments

• An uprising in the late 1860s

• The signing of the Treaty of Paris

• The explosion of the USS Maine

What was the impact of American investments in Cuba during the truce period?

• They caused a decline in Cuban economy

• They led to Cuba's immediate independence

• They created an economic alliance with Spain

• They fostered an economic alliance with the US

What was the outcome of the 1895 revolution in Cuba?

• The US immediately intervened

• Spain initiated a campaign of suppression

• The rebels successfully held their ground

• Cuba gained independence

Why was the USS Maine sent to Havana in 1898?

• To negotiate peace with Spain

• To deliver supplies to Cuban rebels

• To protect American citizens

• To start a war with Spain

What was the immediate consequence of the USS Maine explosion?

• The US agreed to help Cuba liberate

• The US withdrew from Cuba

• Spain declared war on the US

• Cuba declared independence

What was the result of the Spanish-American War?

• The war continued for several more years

• The US gained control of Cuba

• Cuba remained under Spanish control

• Cuba became an independent country

What did the Treaty of Paris signify?

• The beginning of American investments in Cuba

• The explosion of the USS Maine

• The end of the Spanish-American War

• The start of the Spanish-American War

How long did the Spanish-American War last?

• Five years

• Three months

• One year

• A decade

What did later investigations reveal about the USS Maine explosion?

• It was a natural disaster

• It was due to an internal fire

• It was an act of sabotage by Cuban rebels

• It was caused by a Spanish mine

What was the initial belief about the cause of the USS Maine explosion?

• It was a deliberate act by the US

• It was an accident during a storm

• A fire broke out inside the ship

• A mine struck the ship