Yellow Journalism in the Spanish American War

Some historians claim Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst "started" the Spanish-American War. How did yellow journalism contribute to the Spanish-American War?

Yellow Journalism is the practice of sensationalism in newspapers, in part started by Joesph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. It was a common practice in the late 19th century and into the early 20th century. Some historians believe that Yellow-Journalism was a direct cause of the Spanish American War (1898). What needs to be realized however, is that, while yellow journalism contributed greatly, it did not start the war.

America declared war with Spain after the explosion of The Maine, a battleship stationed off the cost of Cuba. As it later turned out, it was an accidental fuel explosion, but the press wrote many articles blaming the Spanish for the explosion. The public was so enraged that they demanded war. However, for several years now America had been wanting to engage in a conflict. They had come close several times but didn't have any serious conflicts.

The Yellow Press further exacerbated the problem by sending out exaggerated stories of Spanish mayhem and American bravery. The press also helped America, though. America was ready for a new war, and public opinion alone does not start a war. By the end of the war, America had proved itself a world power, boosted its economy and its public approval ratings. In addition the press also got names like Theodore Roosevelt out in public eye, making it possible for him to get elected later. The Yellow Press made somethings worse in this time, but they made many things possible.