Yellow Journalism and the Spanish America War

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Yellow Journalism and the Spanish America War
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In 1898, newspapers provided the major source of
news in America. At this time, it was common
practice for a newspaper to report the editor's
interpretation of the news rather than objective
journalism.
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If the information reported was inaccurate or
biased, the American public had little means for
verification.
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With this sort of influence, the newspapers
wielded much political power. In order to
increase circulation, the publishers of these
papers often exploited their position by
sponsoring a flamboyant and irresponsible
approach to news reporting that became known as
"yellow journalism. The name came from a carton
character, called the Yellow Kid.
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The press played a tremendous part in leading the
charge toward America's involvement in Cuba and
the Spanish American War.
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Two publishers, William Randolph Hearst and
Joseph Pulitzer, stood out among the yellow
journalists. They perceived the conflict with
Spain as their chance to increase circulation of
their newspapers.
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Seizing upon the opportunity to capitalize on the
growing spirit of American patriotism, Hearst and
Pulitzer printed sensational anti-Spanish
stories. Graphic illustrations commissioned from
some of the country's most-talented artists and
stories written by premiere authors and
journalists of the day were fodder for fueling
the flames of war.
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Together, Hearst and Pulitzer created a frenzy
among the American people by reporting the
alleged brutality of the Spanish toward the Cuban
rebels. (However, acts of outrage committed by
the Cubans were seldom mentioned.)

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By the time the USS Maine exploded in Havana
Harbor, the pro-war press had roused national
sentiment to the point that President McKinley
feared his political party would suffer if he did
not engage in war with Spain.
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Hearst took special interest in the war, going so
far as to personally edit all of the related
stories. Likewise, Pulitzer ordered his
journalists to stretch and distort the news. He
chose to run stories which elaborated the most
sordid, and violent details. Hearst and Pulitzer
both dispatched journalists to cover the Cuban
rebellion and the ensuing war.