Cuba had been a Spanish possession since Christopher Columbus’ first visit in 1492. Spain’s brutal, autocratic rule spawned a number of rebellions including an 1895 uprising led by José Martí. Growing numbers of Americans sympathized with a Cuban population facing decimation from war, famine, and Spain’s harsh suppression. In addition to humanitarian concerns, prominent Americans proposed annexing Cuba from Spain in order to expand America’s military power and protect significant commercial interests there.

Tensions rose dramatically in February 1898, when the American battleship Maine exploded during its visit to Havana killing over 200 sailors. Popular journalists clamored for an invasion of Cuba, especially after President William McKinley failed to persuade Spain to grant Cuban independence. Even though leaders in both countries did not desire war, complicated domestic politics in both America and Spain prevented a peaceful settlement. The United States declared war on April 25, 1898.

Fighting actually began at Spain’s Pacific territory of the Philippines. Within a week of the war’s declaration, Commodore George Dewey’s Asiatic Squadron destroyed the Spanish naval force at Manila Bay. This quick victory paved the way for an American occupation of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, American forces congregated in Florida during the summer and prepared for an expedition to Cuba. The main segment of Spain’s army and naval forces concentrated at Santiago, the location of Deignan’s Medal of Honor heroism. By the end of May, American naval forces blockaded Santiago. Nearly a month later the army landed near Santiago and attacked the entrenched Spanish army. On July 1, Theodore Roosevelt’s famous Rough Riders earned their reputation at Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill . Two days later, the bottled up Spanish fleet attempted to break through the American naval blockade and avoid capture, but was routed with most ships lost. A few weeks after its Cuban fleet was destroyed, Spanish forces at Santiago capitulated. Shortly thereafter, American forces landed in Puerto Rico.

The actions at Santiago decided the war. By the end of the year, the Spanish agreed to grant Cuba independence and cede Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines to the United States.