Spanish-American War
"Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle. The real extent of this state of misinformation is known only to those who are in situations to confront facts within their knowledge with the lies of the day."
~ Thomas Jefferson
The Spanish-American War, also known as the "media war" took place in 1898. The primary struggle was between the US and Spain in the Gulf of Mexico. During this time, Cuba had been revolting against Spain for their freedom. America had been in the sidelines for some time but in 1897, it was necessary for the Americans to send a "protective" boat called the U.S.S. Maine to ensure the safety of some American citizens in Cuba from a rebellion against the Spanish. But on February 15, 1898, the U.S.S. Maine exploded in the harbor of Havana and the Americans blamed the Spanish.
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President McKinley tried to keep everyone patient but news was spreading like wildfire due to the rise of Yellow Journalism. Several newspaper companies including Pulitzer's New York World and Hearst's New York Journal saw this as a chance to make a lot of money through the public's patriotic emotions. The journalists saw this as an opportunity to report and emphasize the events of the oncoming war. They would sometimes stretch the truth to extremes just to excite the public and get money. It is said that this war occurred due to the public's reactions to the press and their instigated support for America.
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