Definition

Proper noun 1. The Spanish-American War: A conflict fought between the United States and Spain in 1898, primarily over the issue of Cuban independence and American interests in the Caribbean and Pacific. The war resulted in the U.S. gaining territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Spanish War marked a significant turning point, establishing the United States as a global power.
  • Journalistic sensationalism, often called "yellow journalism," is considered a factor leading to the Spanish War.

Advanced Usage

• "Remember the Maine!": A famous rallying cry and slogan used in the United States to advocate for war against Spain after the mysterious sinking of the USS Maine battleship in Havana harbor.
  • The phrase "Remember the Maine!" was used to stir public support for the Spanish War.

Variants and Related Words

• Spanish-American War (n): The full and most common name for the conflict.
  • The Spanish-American War lasted only a few months but had lasting geopolitical consequences.

Synonyms

• War of 1898: An alternative name referencing the year the conflict occurred.
• Spanish-American conflict: A less common synonym.

Related Phrases

• Splendid Little War: A phrase often used, particularly by U.S. Secretary of State John Hay, to describe the short and decisive nature of the Spanish-American War from the American perspective.
  • Historians note that Secretary John Hay referred to the Spanish War as a "splendid little war."

Noun

1. a war between the United States and Spain in 1898