Using the image of the front page and the knowledge you attained from the lesson, identify the headlines that could be described as yellow journalism and explain how these headlines and their stories might have played a major role in U.S. involvement in the Spanish-American War.

Question

Using the image of the front page and the knowledge you attained from the lesson, identify the headlines that could be described as yellow journalism and explain how these headlines and their stories might have played a major role in U.S. involvement in the Spanish-American War.
(4 points) in a student's understanding

GPT-4o mini · Answer

Yellow journalism refers to sensationalized news reporting that exaggerates or fabricates details to attract attention and influence public opinion. In the context of the Spanish-American War, certain headlines from the era exemplified this style of journalism, and they played a significant role in shaping public perception and garnering support for the war.

Sensationalized Headlines: Headlines that used dramatic language to describe events in Cuba, such as "The Butcher Weyler's Atrocities!" or "Cuban Rebels Being Massacred!" showcased extreme exaggeration. These headlines aimed to evoke strong emotional responses from readers, often prioritizing sensationalism over accuracy.
Misinformation: Publications would report on exaggerated figures regarding casualties or suffering of Cuban civilians, claiming thousands were dying due to Spanish atrocities. This type of reporting fueled outrage among the American public, creating a narrative that the United States needed to intervene to stop these injustices.
Visuals and Illustration: Accompanying illustrations that depicted gruesome images of war or suffering civilians were prevalent. These images amplified the emotional effect of the headlines. They captivated readers’ attention and made the stories more urgent, mobilizing public sentiment in favor of intervention.
Influence on Public Sentiment: Newspapers like the New York Journal and New York World played a crucial role in stirring up public emotions, framing the conflict as a moral duty for the U.S. This culminated in increased pressure on the government to take action, leading to resolutions like the call for war against Spain after the sinking of the USS Maine, which was sensationally reported as an act of Spanish aggression despite unclear evidence.

In summary, yellow journalism utilized sensational headlines and exaggerated stories to galvanize public support for the Spanish-American War. By manipulating emotions and presenting a one-sided narrative, these publications significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy during that period.