The Spanish-American War was a relatively short war, it lasted less than four months. Aggressions took place between April 25 and August 12, 1898. The United States fought Spain in and around the Spanish colonial possessions of Cuba and the Philippines. The United States had deep historical and emotional reasons to support the cause of Cuban Independence. The Spanish-American War marked the beginning of the United States' rise as a leading military power. The United States Navy defeated the Spanish in both the Cuban theater and in the Philippines. The Spanish General during this war was Valeriano "Butcher" Weyler y Nicolau. Weyler aroused great indignation in the United States because of his ruthlessness. Weyler was responsible for the death of thousands of Cuban peasants. The peasants died of starvation and disease in concentration camps after being placed there by General Weyler and his troops.
             The Cubans fought to gain independence from Spain after suffering under oppressive Spanish rule and failure of the Spanish to grant promised reforms. The Spanish government sent over 100 thousand troops to Cuba in an attempt to put an end to the rebellion. It was at this time that General "Butcher" Weyler went Cuba and began his concentration camps. Because of General Weyler's unpopularity in the United States the Spanish government removed him from Cuba. The Cubans continued to fight for independence. The United States sent a battleship, the USS Maine, to Cuba to protect U.S. citizens and property on the island. The Maine was destroyed in the Havana Harbor by an underwater explosion some believed to be a Spanish torpedo. Two hundred and sixty-six American soldiers were killed in the explosion. The loss of the Maine provoked many Americans to support war against Spain. President McKinley was against a declaration of war, but eventually was persuaded to follow the de!
             mands of the American public.
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