Spanish American War
Just as the Hat eld and McCoy Feud came to an end, the United States found itself involved in an international con ict–the Spanish-American War. The war, which was a result of incidents in Cuba, began in 1898 and lasted only three months. At the time, Cuban patriots were ghting a guerrilla war for independence from Spain. Many Americans were concerned with the way Spanish authorities were treating the Cuban people. Other Americans were interested in the events in Cuba because they had investments in Cuban sugar plantations; the Cuban revolution threatened those investments. The government sent the U.S. battleship Maine to Cuba to protect American citizens and investments. On the night of February 15, 1898, the Maine mysteriously blew up in Havana harbor. The explosion killed 266 American sailors and injured another 99. Shortly after the sinking of the battleship, the U.S. government declared war on Spain. President William McKinley asked for 125,000 volunteers. More than ve times that many—some 750,000—answered the president’s call. “Remember the Maine!” became a familiar battle cry.
The response from West Virginia was equally impressive. President McKinley asked for two regiments from West Virginia, but more Mountain- eers volunteered than could be taken. Governor George Atkinson decided to select the volunteers from the state’s National Guard. Before the war ended, two regiments and four companies formed in West Virginia, and some 3,000 West Virginians saw action.
The response from West Virginia was equally impressive. President McKinley asked for two regiments from West Virginia, but more Mountain- eers volunteered than could be taken. Governor George Atkinson decided to select the volunteers from the state’s National Guard. Before the war ended, two regiments and four companies formed in West Virginia, and some 3,000 West Virginians saw action.