US Army Siege of Santiago in 1898 Toppled Spanish Rule in Cuba
In 1898, following the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana harbor in February, which resulted in hundreds of deaths, the United States quickly overcame the Spanish Empire. War was declared in April. Rear Admiral Pascual Cervera y Topete's Spanish fleet sought shelter in Santiago harbor. The US V Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. William Shafter and consisting of 20,000 troops, landed near Santiago, with the assistance of Cuban General Calixto Garcia and 5,000 insurgents. Significant confrontations included the assaults on San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill by the Rough Riders and Buffalo Soldiers. After securing the hills, Commodore Winfield Scott Schley annihilated Cervera's fleet. The US suffered one fatality and one injury, ultimately gaining control of Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico.
Key facts
- The USS Maine exploded in Havana harbor in February 1898, killing hundreds.
- The US declared war on Spain in April 1898.
- The US V Corps, under Maj. Gen. William Shafter, had about 20,000 men.
- Cuban General Calixto Garcia led 5,000 insurgents supporting the US.
- Spanish commander Gen. Arsenio Linares had 10,000-12,000 men.
- The Rough Riders and Buffalo Soldiers stormed San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill.
- Admiral Cervera's squadron was destroyed by Commodore Schley's fleet.
- US casualties were one dead and one wounded; Spanish casualties were 323 dead, 151 wounded, 1,700 captured.
Entities
Institutions
- US Navy
- US Army
- Spanish Navy
- Spanish Army
- Cuban Liberation Army
- US Congress
- US War Department
- Naval History and Heritage Command
- US National Park Service
- PBS
Locations
- Cuba
- Santiago de Cuba
- Havana
- United States
- Spain
- Madrid
- Puerto Rico
- Guam
- Philippines
- Hawaii
- Guantanamo Bay
- San Juan Hill
- Kettle Hill
- El Caney
- Siboney
- Caribbean
- Pacific
- Central America
- Haiti
- Panama Canal