What Happened This Year 1898
Historical Events from This Year 1898
U.S. captures Guam amid miscommunication
In June 1898, U.S. naval forces captured Guam, initiating control over the island during the Spanish-American War. The U.S. ships fired warning shots that the Spanish garrison mistook for formal salutes due to a lack of awareness regarding the ongoing war between the two nations. This miscommunication led to the peaceful surrender of the island without significant conflict.
Continue ReadingU.S. Troops Land at Daiquirí, Cuba
A chaotic military operation unfolded as 6,000 men of the U.S. Fifth Army Corps landed at Daiquirí, Cuba, approximately 16 miles east of Santiago de Cuba. Although outnumbered two-to-one, the Spanish forces, led by Lt. Gen. Arsenio Linares y Pombo, chose not to contest the landings. This initial landing marked the beginning of U.S. ground operations aimed at capturing Santiago, a strategic objective during the Spanish-American War.
Continue ReadingJoshua Slocum Completes Solo Circumnavigation
Joshua Slocum, a Nova Scotia native, is the first person known to have completed a solo circumnavigation of the globe. Setting sail from Briar Island, he undertook this remarkable journey aboard his boat, the Spray, spanning three years, during which he navigated various seas and faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather and isolation. His voyage was driven by a desire for adventure and a deep-seated passion for sailing.
Continue ReadingBattle of San Juan Hill in Santiago de Cuba
The Battle of San Juan Hill was a significant military engagement during the Spanish–American War, fought near Santiago de Cuba. On July 1, 1898, American forces, including Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders, launched a fierce assault against entrenched Spanish positions. This battle marked a turning point in the war, showcasing the effectiveness of American military strategy and determination.
Continue ReadingAmerican Victory in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba
In a decisive naval engagement, the American squadron, commanded by William T. Sampson, launched a coordinated attack against the Spanish fleet led by Pascual Cervera y Topete in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba. The battle commenced after weeks of blockade which effectively trapped the Spanish forces. Despite the fierce defense put up by Cervera's squadron, the overwhelming firepower and tactics of Sampson's fleet led to quick destruction of the Spanish ships. This encounter solidified American naval dominance in the Caribbean.
Continue ReadingSS La Bourgogne Collision and Sinking
SS La Bourgogne, a French ocean liner, collided with the Scottish ship Cromartyshire off the coast of Sable Island while en route from New York to Le Havre. The impact resulted in the sinking of La Bourgogne, leading to the tragic loss of 549 lives, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters of its time.
Continue ReadingMcKinley Signs Newlands Resolution for Hawaii
William McKinley signed the Newlands Resolution, officially annexing Hawaii as a territory of the United States. The resolution, passed by the Congress, reflected the growing interest and strategic importance of Hawaii in the Pacific region, particularly for military and commercial purposes. The annexation followed the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 and a brief period of Republic status, fueled by American business interests. The signing solidified the United States' presence in Hawaii and marked a significant expansion of U.S. territory.
Continue ReadingSoapy Smith's Demise at Juneau Wharf
In a violent confrontation at Juneau Wharf, Soapy Smith, a notorious crime boss in Skagway, Alaska, was killed. The shootout stemmed from escalating tensions between rival factions, culminating in an exchange of gunfire that left Smith dead. His death marked a significant turning point for the burgeoning town, as it released its residents from Smith's oppressive control over illegal activities and lawlessness that plagued the area, paving the way for a more legitimate community.
Continue ReadingU.S. Troops Land in Puerto Rico
United States Army troops under General Nelson A. Miles landed in the port town of Guánica, Puerto Rico, during the Spanish–American War. This landing marked the beginning of the U.S. invasion of Spanish-held Puerto Rico, aiming to further weaken Spanish control in the Caribbean. The operation was part of a larger strategy to eliminate Spanish colonial presence in the Americas and establish U.S. influence in the region.
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