Was the Spanish American War really a 'splendid little war'?

Remember the Maine pin Pin from the Spanish American War period. Robert Bowen Collection. On April 21, 1898, the United States declared war against Spain. It would be the first overseas conflict fought by the U.S. It involved major campaigns in both Cuba and the Philippine Islands. read more

Impact of the Spanish American War on the Presidio The mark of the brief war with Spain and the longer conflict with the Philippines is evident throughout the Presidio. The arrival of large numbers of troops spurred its transition from a frontier military outpost to a modern army base. read more

It depends. It was a “splendid little war” the way Reagan’s invasion of Grenada was a “splendid little war”. There was no doubt about the outcome. Dewey’s destruction of the Spanish Fleet was totally lopsided — the Spanish Admiral wanted to surrender before the first shot was fired. read more