In 1896, General Weyler of Spain implemented the first wave of the Spanish “Reconcentracion Policy” that sent thousands of Cubans into concentration camps. Under Weyler’s policy, the rural population had eight days to move into designated camps located in fortified towns; any person who failed to obey was shot.

What was the purpose of the reconcentration policy?

Unlike many concentration camps in the twentieth century, the idea was to keep the Cuban civilians alive and protected until the Spanish were victorious. Unfortunately at least 30% perished from lack of proper food, sanitary conditions, and medicines.

Who was General v Weyler and what did he do?

Valeriano Weyler y Nicolau, 1st Duke of Rubí, 1st Marquess of Tenerife (17 September 1838 – 20 October 1930) was a Spanish general and colonial administrator who served as the Governor-General of the Philippines and Cuba, and later as Spanish Minister for War.

What effect did the reconcentration policy have on American public opinion?

The reconcentration policy and its effect received strong coverage in the American press and helped to sway public opinion against Spain.

What did General Weyler do to stop the insurrection?

In 1896, the Spanish sent the infamous General Weyler, known as “The Butcher,” to Cuba to put down the insurrection. Weyler lived up to his name. To prevent the insurrectos from leading the population against Spanish rule, Weyler built concentration camps in which he imprisoned a large portion of the population.

What is the Reconcentration Act?

: the action or policy of concentrating the rural population in or about towns for convenience in political or military administration (as in Cuba during the revolution of 1895–98)

Why was General Weyler important?

In 1895 he was given the Grand Cross of Maria Cristina for his command of troops in the Philippines. In 1896 when rebellion was in full swing in Cuba, Weyler was named governor with full powers to suppress the insurgency and return the island to political order and the sugar industry to greater profitibility.

What was Butcher Weyler known for?

Valeriano “The Butcher” Weyler was notorious for his “reconcentration” policies in Cuba which sought to strip Cuban rebels of their abilities to live off the land and camouflage themselves in groups of civilians. The strategy had disastrous consequences.

Did General Weyler actions toward civilians help or hinder the Spanish cause?

Did general Weyler’s actions toward civilians help or hinder the Spanish cause? Explain. General Weyler’s actions towards civilians shocked Americans and encouraged them to help in the fight for independence.

What did General Valeriano Weyler do to restore order in Cuba?

In 1896, Spain responded to the Cuban revolt by sending General Valeriano Weyler to Cuba to restore order. Weyler tried to crush the rebellion by herding the entire rural population of central and western Cuba into barbed wire concentration camps. Here civilians could not give aid to rebels.

What is reconcentration in history?

(historical) The act or policy of concentrating the rural population in or around towns and villages for convenience in political or military administration, as in Cuba during the revolution of 1895-98.

What was Reconcentration quizlet?



Reconcentration. policy of moving Cubans to detention camps so that they could not aid rebels. Jingoism. extreme, chauvinistic patriotism, often favoring an aggressive, warlike foreign policy.

What are 3 effects of the Spanish-American War?

U.S. victory in the war produced a peace treaty that compelled the Spanish to relinquish claims on Cuba, and to cede sovereignty over Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States. The United States also annexed the independent state of Hawaii during the conflict.

How did Spain use Reconcentration camps to combat the Cuban revolt?

Spanish Atrocities To suppress the rebellion, Spain sent some 200,000 troops to Cuba. In an attempt to keep villagers from aiding the rebels, they herded hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children into “reconcentration camps,” where tens of thousands died of starvation and disease.

What is the Reconcentration Act in the Philippines?

Under the Reconcentration Act (No. 781) of June 1, 1903, the American Governor General was empowered to “reconcentrate” the residents of towns believed “infested with Ladrones and outlaws” to prevent them from aiding the Filipino rebels.

What was the purpose of yellow journalism during the Spanish-American War?



Yellow journalism was a style of newspaper reporting that emphasized sensationalism over facts. During its heyday in the late 19th century it was one of many factors that helped push the United States and Spain into war in Cuba and the Philippines, leading to the acquisition of overseas territory by the United States.

What was the impact of yellow journalism on the Spanish-American War?

The Spanish-American War is often referred to as the first “media war.” During the 1890s, journalism that sensationalized—and sometimes even manufactured—dramatic events was a powerful force that helped propel the United States into war with Spain.

What are some characteristics of yellow journalism?

Yellow journalism marked by sensationalist stories, self-promotion

  • the use of multicolumn headlines, oversized pictures, and dominant graphics;
  • front-page stories that varied from sensationalist to salacious in the same issue;

What benefit did the yellow journalism owners gain from the war?

The newspaper owners gained a lot of benefit from the war, many people started reading their newspapers and just like any other news outlet newspapers are also a money making business.