The Spanish-American War
Famously described as a "splendid little war," the Spanish-American War lasted for only four months in 1898. Despite its brevity, it had a tremendous historical impact. The United States acquired overseas territories, established itself as the dominant nation in the Western Hemisphere and began a new era as a major world power.

Arlington National Cemetery contains more Spanish-American War monuments and burial sites than any other location in the continental United States. Use the materials in this module to explore the legacy of this war and the experiences of individuals who served — as soldiers, sailors or military nurses.

Recommended Reading: The Spanish-American War

Check out these resources if you are interested in learning more about the Spanish-American War.

Walking Tour: The Spanish-American War

Arlington National Cemetery contains more monuments and burial sites related to the Spanish-American War than any other location in the continental United States.
Learn about the historical significance of the Spanish-American War by visiting the gravesites of individuals who played prominent roles in it, as well as the USS Maine Memorial, the Spanish-American War Memorial and other monuments.
  • Length: 1.2 miles
  • Starting point: Section 24 (1 mile from Welcome Center)

Lesson Plan: What Is the United States of America?

Students use maps to explore the concept of the United States of America as a nation and to learn about its geographic boundaries over time.
Resources for teachers include handouts and a PowerPoint-guided lesson on the United States' geographic expansion from the colonial period through today.
  • One class period, 35-45 minutes total

Lesson Plan: Spanish-American War Timeline

This timeline activity about the Spanish-American War can be used as an introduction, a review or at any time during a lesson/unit.
Timeline cards can be printed and ordered chronologically to give students an overview of events in the war.
  • One class period, 15-30 minutes total

Lesson Plan: Nurses in the Spanish-American War

Students use primary source documents and other resources to learn about the role of female nurses during the Spanish-American War.
The lesson also explores the expansion of career opportunities for women in military medicine before and after the war, and it addresses the different experiences of white women and women of color. Resources include quotes, images and cards with profiles of individual nurses. Students complete a gallery walk or work in groups on a jigsaw of teacher-curated resources.
  • Elementary: One class period, 45-60 minutes total
  • Middle: 1-2 class periods, 60-75 minutes total
  • High: 1-2 class periods, 60-75 minutes total

Lifelong Learners: Personal Accounts of the Spanish-American War

Explore photographs and personal accounts that tell firsthand stories about the Spanish-American War. Learners of all ages can use these primary sources in order to understand how Americans experienced the war in different ways.

Lifelong Learners: Nurses in the Spanish-American War

Through historical photographs and written accounts, learn about the role of female nurses during the Spanish-American War. Materials also examine how nursing expanded opportunities for women in the military.

Lifelong Learners: Historical Opinions on the Spanish-American War

This curated collection of primary sources illuminates a variety of historical opinions on the Spanish-American War and the United States' expanding global power.
As learners read, they will consider how Americans reacted to the war and the United States' changing role in the world at the turn of the 20th century. Materials also prompt readers to consider how such debates continue today. 

Lesson Plans: A Splendid Little War?

Students use primary source documents and other resources to learn about arguments for and against the Spanish-American War in 1898.
Materials also explore the meanings and consequences of U.S. global expansion at the turn of the 20th century. Resources include personal accounts, historical photographs, political cartoons, historical commentaries and a student worksheet.
  • 1-2 class periods, 75-90 minutes total

Lesson Plan: African American Celebrated Unit – “Buffalo Soldiers”

In 1866, Congress established the U.S. Army’s all-Black 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments and 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments, later known as the “Buffalo Soldiers,” to serve on the western frontier.
Students learn about the Buffalo Soldiers and explore their significance in historical and cultural context. Resources include a PowerPoint slide deck and handout.
  • One class period, 15-20 minutes total