Today’s American history classes usually provide only a brief mention of the Spanish-American War. Yet, it was instrumental in bringing a reluctant American populace to the realm of global politics. During his tenure as Secretary of State under Theodore Roosevelt, John Milton Hay described the Spanish-American War as “a splendid little war.” That was the attitude at the time, and one can easily see why. In the space of six months the United States gained an empire and firmly strode onto the world stage as a major power. Better still, she did so with a relatively small expenditure in blood and treasure. 

In this two-lesson course, students will learn about the origins and implications of this conflict. They will discover how it was a catalyst to change American politics and foreign policy. They will see how the war tested new weapons as well as new theories of naval warfare. Furthermore, students will come to understand how this also reflected the changing culture in America and the rest of the western world. This short war helped to heal some of the long-standing bitterness lingering after the civil war. Lastly, there will be a brief look at how this war influenced America’s clash with Japan four decades later.

This class will be a good addition for students who have learned a basic overview of American history. Along with the lecture, students will be encouraged to engage in question-and-answer sessions. Maps, photos, old newspaper cartoons, and very rare film footage will help bring this era to life.

Class breakdown:
First lesson:	   1. Brief exploration of the war’s origin: students will learn about the tensions that built up between America and the Spanish Empire.
	                   2. Personality and politics: Who were the key players on both sides? What drove them? Students will get an overview of world politics in the era of great power colonization and America’s place in it.
	                   3. War begins: Was either side truly prepared? Students will examine and discuss the conflict’s first battle, Manilla Bay. 

Second lesson:   1. The Cuban campaign: Two unprepared countries blunder into battle. Students will learn about the comedy of errors that describe America’s effort to put an army into the field.  They will also learn more about the larger-than-life personality of Theodore Roosevelt!
	                   2. Victory and its aftermath: What did America gain? What did Spain lose? Students will learn about and discuss the war’s impact on the future. Were the results worth it? Was America in the right? Did Spain have a chance? What lessons can be learned from it today?