Morris County in the Spanish-American and Philippine Wars
“A Splendid Little War”
Combatants: United States v. Spain
On April 21, 1898, the United States declared war on Spain, making this the first war wholly fought overseas by the U.S..
America had long supported Cuba and the Philippines in their struggle to overthrow rule by Spain.
The explosion of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898 provided cause for a formal declaration of hostilities.
Quick victories by the U.S. troops led Ambassador John Hay, who soon became Secretary of State, to dub the conflict: “A splendid little war.”
“Remember The Maine!”
The Maine enters Havana Harbor, Cuba, passing Morro Castle on January 25, 1898.
The Maine in ruins, February 20, 1898.
The impetus for formal entry into war was the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine on February 15, 1898 killing 268. Of the 200 bodies recovered only 78 were positively identified.
On March 28, 1898, the United States Naval Court of Inquiry concluded that the Maine was destroyed by a submerged mine. Spain was not formally accused of mining the harbor, but the implication was clear.
The Maine explosion remains a subject of studious debate; recent research suggests that the explosion may have been accidental, involving a spontaneous combustion fire in the coal bunker.
Dover Iron Era, April 29, 1898
Aftermath of “The Splendid Little War”
The Philippine War
February 4, 1899 to July 2, 1902
Combatants: The United States v. First Philippine Republic
With the United States determined to maintain control in the Pacific after the Spanish-American War, tensions remained high for over a decade in the region; leading to sporadic outbreaks of guerilla fighting in the Philippine islands.
A victorious United States held control of the islands with the Philippines becoming a territory of the U.S. until 1946.
The Morris County Chronicle, April 22, 1898
Rockaway Record, April 26, 1900
Dover Iron Era, May 29, 1903