The Spanish-American War

            The Spanish American War is considered one of the biggest turning points in United States foreign policy. Prior to the Spanish American war, the United States had kept to them and did not have a structure for dealing with foreign countries. This caused many problems for the United States making it callous for them to expand on their imports and exports; this limited the economic and geographical growth of The United States. In the past the United States was involved with other countries, however these events of involvement were not for economical or geographical gain but peaceful meetings. That is why the Spanish American War is one of the most important times for American Foreign policy.
             The Spanish–American War took place in 1898 between Spain and the United States, this resulted in America's intervention in the Cuban War of Independence. In 1823, President James Monroe presented the Monroe Doctrine, which stated: the United States would not tolerate efforts made by European governments to colonize the North and South America ; however, exempting Spain's colony in Cuba. Before the Civil War the south had attempted to purchase Cuba in order to expand the slave trade. The proposal had been overshadowed by the nations domestic troubles.
             After the Civil War and Cuba's Ten Year' War, US businesses began to monopolize the sugar market in Cuba. By 1894, ninety percent of Cuba's total exports was shipped to The United States. Additionally, forty percent of Cuba's imports were from The United States. Cuba's exports to The United States were twelve times more than their exports to Spain. United States interest indicated that even while Spain held political authority over Cuba, economic power was driven by The United States creating friction between Spain and The United States. The Spanish Government regarded Cuba as a province rather a colony, and depended on it for economic stability, and training ground for Spain's army.