Should the us intervened in Cuba 1898 why or not?

* Protection of American citizens and interests: There were approximately 200,000 American citizens living in Cuba at the time of the Spanish-American War. Many of these citizens were engaged in business and trade on the island, and their interests were threatened by the ongoing Cuban rebellion against Spanish rule. The Spanish government had also been accused of mistreating American citizens in Cuba, including arbitrary arrest and imprisonment.

* Strategic importance of Cuba: Cuba is located just 90 miles off the coast of Florida, and it has a deepwater port at Havana that could be used as a base for naval operations. In the late 19th century, the United States was expanding its naval power and looking for ways to protect its interests in the Caribbean and Latin America.

* Humanitarian concerns: The Cuban rebellion had been going on for several years, and it had caused widespread death and destruction in Cuba. The Spanish government had also been accused of using brutal methods to suppress the rebellion, including the use of concentration camps and torture. Many Americans felt that the United States had a moral obligation to intervene to stop the bloodshed.

Arguments against intervention:

* Imperialism: Some Americans opposed the idea of the United States intervening in Cuba because they believed that it would be an act of imperialism. They argued that the United States had no right to interfere in the internal affairs of another country, especially one that was fighting for its independence.

* Economic costs: The Spanish-American War cost the United States over $250 million, and it led to a significant increase in the national debt. Some Americans believed that the economic costs of the war were not justified by the benefits that the United States would gain.

* Possibility of war with Spain: Spain was a major European power at the time of the Spanish-American War, and many Americans feared that if the United States intervened in Cuba, it could lead to war with Spain. This was a particularly serious concern because the United States was not prepared for a major war at that time.

In the end, the United States decided to intervene in Cuba in 1898. The war ended in a decisive American victory, and Cuba gained its independence from Spain. However, the debate over the wisdom of the intervention continues to this day.