Spanish-American War, The

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. The roots of the Spanish-American War can be traced back to the Cuban struggle for independence. For decades, Cuba had been fighting against Spanish colonial rule, seeking freedom from the oppressive Spanish government. The island’s desire for independence fueled tensions between Spain and the United States, as Americans sympathized with the Cuban cause. The U.S. had longstanding economic interests in Cuba, particularly in its sugar industry, and many Americans saw Spain’s harsh methods of suppression as a violation of human rights. American businessmen were deeply invested in Cuban trade, and these economic interests further complicated the situation. U.S. companies had substantial investments in Cuban sugar, tobacco, and other goods. As the Cuban rebellion grew in intensity, many Americans feared the instability would affect their businesses. These economic concerns played a major role in pushing the U.S. government to become more involved in Cuban affairs, ultimately leading to a more interventionist stance. Yellow journalism, a sensationalist style of reporting, also contributed to the escalation of tensions. Newspapers, particularly those owned by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, published exaggerated and often false stories about Spanish atrocities in Cuba. These stories stirred public outrage and heightened support for the Cuban rebels. The press portrayed Spain as a brutal oppressor, pushing American sentiment toward war and making it difficult for the government to remain neutral.