The Spanish-American War

By Kenneth E. Hendrickson Jr.

Book Overview

The 1898 war between the United States and Spain receives relatively little attention in most American history texts, yet it is an event of major importance. The United States emerged as the world's greatest power in the 20th century. In many ways, the war with Spain was a stepping stone from one era of American history to the next, showing Americans that aggressive nationalism could be fraught with danger, even as it was crowned with splendor.

This book includes an overview essay, five essays on specific aspects of the war, and a conclusion. A biographical section features sketches of Americans, Spaniards, Cubans, and Filipinos who played important roles, showing the human element of the events. Fifteen primary documents grant readers and researchers a direct view of the elements that transpired and how they were reported. This book provides everything students or general readers need to begin their research into a watershed conflict in American history.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0313316627
• ISBN13: 9780313316623
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: Greenwood
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Does a Good Job

Hendrickson succeeds in his mission. He set out to write a text about the Spanish American War and thankfully, succeeds. He has created a pithy primer for those who need this kind of introduction. The first chapter is a summary. Since the war itself is short, Chapter 1 is somewhat duplicated in Chapter 2. The war's aftermath is complex and the author does not shrink from it explaining it. There was a lot left unresolved, for instance the legal status of Puerto Rico. In the end there are bios of the important people and basic documents regarding the war. I highly recommend this for anyone wanting a basic outline of this war and its impact.