Battles of the Ages: The Spanish American War

By Marcus Caldwell

Step back in time to a pivotal moment at the turn of the 20th century, a brief but intense conflict that reshaped the destiny of nations. This gripping narrative unveils the dramatic battles, political maneuvers, and personal heroism that defined the war, bringing to life the echoes of valor that still resonate today.

Delve dee

• Language: English
• Publisher: Battles of the Ages
• Release date: Dec 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798869059598

Book preview

Marcus Caldwell

Battles of the Ages

The Spanish American War

Copyright © 2023 by Marcus Caldwell

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

First edition

Contents

Introduction

First and Second Battle of Cardenas

Battle of Cienfuegos

Battle of Guantánamo Bay

Battle of Las Guasimas

Battles of Tayacoba and Manzanillo

Battle of San Juan Hill

Battle of Santiago de Cuba

Philippine Campaign

Capture of Guam

Puerto Rico Campaign

Conclusion

Bibliography

Introduction

At the twilight of the 19th century, the world witnessed a transformative event that would not only redefine the political landscape of the Americas but also herald the emergence of a new global power. This event was the Spanish-American War, a significant historical milestone with far-reaching implications that echoed across continents and oceans.

In 1898, the United States, a nation still mending the deep wounds left by its Civil War, found itself at a crossroads, engaging in a confrontation with the declining Spanish Empire. This confrontation was not just a matter of territorial disputes but also a clash of ideologies and visions for the future. The war, though brief, was intense and significant, leaving an indelible mark on the participants and the world.

Our narrative begins in the vibrant streets of Washington D.C., where the stirrings of war echoed through the corridors of power. The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor served as the catalyst in a volatile situation, galvanizing the United States towards a path of military engagement. The American public, fueled by an aggressive press and a burgeoning sense of manifest destiny, vehemently supported the call to arms.

As we delve deeper into the intricacies of this historic conflict, we explore the strategic military engagements and the valorous actions on both sides. From the oppressive, disease-ridden jungles of Cuba to the distant and unfamiliar waters of the Philippines, each battlefield has its own story of courage, loss, and, at times, misguided endeavors. The Battle of San Juan Hill, etched into history by the valiant charge of the Rough Riders, epitomizes the boldness and vigor of the American military ethos. In contrast, the naval Battle of Manila Bay demonstrates the tactical brilliance and commanding presence of the U.S. Navy under the leadership of Commodore George Dewey.

The war, while short-lived, was fraught with complex issues and moral dilemmas. The debates over imperialism, colonialism, and national identity that it sparked cast long shadows over the ensuing victory celebrations. In the aftermath, the United States emerged not just as a victor but as a colonial power, with the annexation of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This expansionist move ignited a continuing debate about America’s role on the global stage and its responsibilities as a burgeoning power.

Beyond the strategic maneuvers and military engagements, our narrative weaves in the human stories that form the fabric of this war. The Spanish-American War was more than a sequence of battles; it was a human drama filled with stories of individual heroism, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. These stories provide a more intimate understanding of the war and its impact on the lives of those who lived through it.

As we embark on this comprehensive exploration of the Spanish-American War, we invite readers to delve into the echoes of bravery and strategic mastery that marked this pivotal conflict. This war, often overshadowed by the global conflicts that followed, served as a crucible in which the character and international standing of the United States were tested and ultimately transformed. It is a story not only of military and political transformation but also a reminder of the enduring impact of historical events on the course of human destiny and the shaping of nations.

First and Second Battle of Cardenas

In the gripping narrative of the Spanish-American War, the port of Cardenas emerged as a surprising bastion of Spanish resistance, despite its reputation as a minor port. The onset of war saw the United States Navy imposing a blockade around Cuba, effectively trapping three Spanish vessels in the Cardenas River. These vessels daringly engaged with two American ships on April 27, resulting in damage to one Spanish ship in the fierce skirmish.

As May 1898 unfolded, the USS Winslow, a nimble 142-ton torpedo boat commanded by Lieutenant John Bernadou, alongside the more formidable gunboat USS Machias, maintained a vigilant blockade of Cardenas. The Winslow, though smaller, was formidably equipped with three rapid-fire 1-pounders and three 18-inch torpedo tubes, manned by a crew of twenty. In contrast, the Machias, with a crew of about 150, boasted eight 4-inch guns, four 6-pounders, and four 1-pounders, representing a significant escalation in firepower.

The Spanish naval lineup included the Antonio Lopez, Alerta, and Ligeria, each modestly armed with a single rapid-fire 6-pounder and a crew of around twenty men. On land, the Spanish garrison manned two shore batteries: one a stone structure with a handful of guns and gunners, and the other equipped with three field pieces and about 100 infantry armed with long-range rifles. However, the battle unfolded beyond the range of these shore defenses.

Adding to the strategic complexity, the Americans believed that the Spanish had cunningly laid a minefield around the harbor, leaving only a narrow passage for ships to enter or exit. A strategically placed buoy marked the limit of the Spanish gunboats’ firing range. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Antonio Pérez Rendón, the Spanish naval forces were poised for a confrontation that would test the mettle of both sides in this critical chapter of the war.

First Battle

As the USS Machias departed eastward for its patrol, an intriguing flurry of activity caught the eye of the USS Winslow’s crew in the Spanish port of Cardenas. Sensing an opportunity, Lieutenant John Bernadou deftly steered the Winslow towards the action. The Spanish, spotting the lone American vessel, boldly dispatched their three gunboats to engage.

Lieutenant Rendon’s signal unleashed a volley from the Spanish guns as the Winslow cruised past the buoy marking the minefield, about a mile away. Contrary to Spanish expectations, Bernadou didn’t retreat. Instead, he bravely steered the Winslow directly towards the Spanish squadron, unleashing a barrage from its two bow guns. The rapid-fire 1-pounders were remarkably effective, repeatedly striking the closely arranged Spanish vessels.

In a masterful display of naval tactics, Bernadou maneuvered the Winslow into a position where its guns could simultaneously target all three Spanish ships. After nearly forty minutes of intense combat, the overwhelmed Spanish gunboats scattered towards the safety of their port.

The American gunners maintained their assault during the retreat. A critical shot struck the Antonio Lopez as it neared the protection of the shore batteries, halting and disabling it, though it continued firing defiantly. One of its comrades hastily attached a tow cable, attempting a daring rescue under fire.

Meanwhile, alerted by the sounds of battle, the Machias made a swift return to Cardenas. As it arrived, the confrontation was nearing its climax. From a distance of two miles, the Machias’s 4-inch guns roared to life. Though its shots missed their mark, the Spanish gunboats, now focused on their escape, ceased firing and navigated through the narrow safe passage in the minefield.

The Americans, wary of the suspected mines, could not pursue. It was only later, on May 11, that it was either revealed there were no mines in Cardenas, or the U.S. Navy had simply failed to detect them. This dramatic encounter highlighted the audacity and strategic acumen of both the American and Spanish forces in this pivotal moment of the Spanish-American War.

Second Battle

At precisely 13:35 on May 11, the USS Winslow closed in on its target, a mere 1,500 yards away, when the Antonio López fired the opening salvo of an intense artillery battle that would rage for one hour and twenty minutes. The Winslow, armed with her 1-pounders, fiercely returned fire. However, the Spanish forces, focusing their attack on the Winslow, soon landed several direct hits on the American torpedo boat.

The first impactful shot from the Spanish side wreaked havoc on the Winslow, crippling both her steam and manual steering gear. In a frantic effort, her crew attempted to establish an auxiliary steering system, but to no avail. The Winslow found herself vulnerable, presenting her broadside to the enemy. A subsequent Spanish shot penetrated her hull near the engine room, severely damaging the port main engine.

Despite these setbacks, the Winslow valiantly continued to maneuver using her remaining engine, while persistently returning fire. Meanwhile, the USS Wilmington and the USS Hudson joined the fray, their guns thundering against the Spanish ship and shore installations. The combined might of the American warships eventually rendered the Spanish tugboat inoperative, even as several buildings along the waterfront were set ablaze.

Severely damaged and nearly incapacitated, the Winslow signaled the Hudson for assistance. The revenue cutter bravely approached the stricken torpedo boat, establishing a tow line between them. As the Hudson commenced its rescue, towing the Winslow out to sea, tragedy struck. One of the last Spanish shells hit the Winslow near the starboard gun, claiming the life of Ensign Worth Bagley. Bagley, in the midst of relaying instructions from the deck to the engine room, became the first U.S. naval officer to fall in the Spanish-American War. Alongside him, four brave sailors - John Barberes, John Daniels, George B. Meek, and E.B. Tunnell - also lost their lives in this fierce and historic engagement.

In the aftermath of the fierce battle, the Winslow, bearing significant damage, was towed to safety. Among the crew, several were wounded, including the commanding officer, Lieutenant John Bernadou. Bernadou ensured that the injured and the fallen were transferred to the Hudson, and then relinquished command to Chief Gunner’s Mate George P. Brady. Brady, along with Chief Gunner’s Mate Hans Johnsen and Chief Machinist T. C. Cooney, was later honored with the prestigious Medal of Honor for their valor.

Recognizing the bravery of the Revenue Cutter Service, which at that time was ineligible for the Navy Medal of Honor, Congress authorized a special medal. The commanding officer of the Hudson, Frank Newcomb, received this unique honor in