Why did Americans support the Cuban rebels in their efforts against Spain?

The Cuban revolutionaries were not fighting Spain, but rather trying to gain their independence from the Spanish Empire. Americans supported the Cuban rebels in their fight against Spain due to a number of reasons:

- Sympathy for the Cuban cause: Many Americans sympathized with the Cuban people's desire for independence and self-determination. The Cubans had been fighting for their independence from Spain for decades and had suffered greatly under Spanish rule. Americans were inspired by the Cubans' courage and determination and wanted to help them achieve their goal.

- Economic interests: The United States had significant economic interests in Cuba. American businesses had invested heavily in the sugar and tobacco industries in Cuba and were concerned about the potential impact of Spanish rule on their investments. They believed that an independent Cuba would be more likely to protect their interests and provide them with greater access to the Cuban market.

- Political motivations: Some American politicians supported the Cuban rebels in order to gain political support from their constituents. Many Americans were outraged by the Spanish government's brutal treatment of the Cuban people and believed that the United States had a moral obligation to intervene. Supporting the Cuban rebels was a way for politicians to show their support for the Cuban cause and to appeal to voters who were sympathetic to the Cuban people.

- Geopolitical considerations: The United States was also concerned about the strategic importance of Cuba. Cuba is located just 90 miles from Florida and the United States did not want to see it fall into the hands of a hostile power. The United States believed that an independent Cuba would be more likely to ally itself with the United States and could serve as a buffer against other powers in the region.