Asked by Dingle
Today you are going to be getting creative for your second summative of MP2 and creating two newspaper front pages featuring sinking of the USS Maine and two other news stories. Both of your pages will cover the same stories, but the way that they are presented to the reader should be different based on what you learned about yellow journalism in class.
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Below are two full-text mockups for front pages covering the same three stories: the sinking of the USS Maine, continuing violence in Cuba, and the U.S. political response. One front page is written and designed in the style of yellow journalism (sensational, emotional, accusatory). The other is written and designed in an objective, evidence-focused style. Use these as copy-and-layout templates for your summative.
Note: dates and facts kept historically accurate where relevant (USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, about 266 dead). Language in the yellow-journalism page intentionally includes sensational claims and emotionally loaded wording to show how presentation changes reader reaction.
— PAGE A: YELLOW JOURNALISM FRONT PAGE ——
Masthead: THE DAILY SENTINEL
Dateline: NEW YORK, February 16, 1898
Main Headline (very large, bold, centered, exclamation): THE MAINE BLOWN UP — 266 AMERICANS MURDERED BY SPAIN!
Subheadline (large): Horrible Massacre in Havana Harbor — Our Brave Boys Suffered Savage Treachery — Vengeance Demanded!
Large lead image idea: Dramatic, hand-colored engraving of the Maine exploding in the night, men thrown into the water, flames and smoke. Caption in bold: HORROR IN HAVANA — THE MAINE ERUPTS IN A BLOODBATH.
Lead article (sensational tone, short paragraphs, emotional appeals):
Dateline: HAVANA, Feb. 15 — By our Special Correspondent
A monstrous crime has been committed! In the black of night the battleship U.S.S. Maine was torn to pieces in Havana Harbor, and 266 of our countrymen sank with her into the sea. Survivors tell of a thunderous blast, a great wall of fire and screaming men flung into the water. All evidence points to deliberate Spanish treachery!
Eyewitnesses describe what can only be called sabotage: a concussion from beneath the keel, followed by a rain of timbers and iron. Officers were crushed in their bunks; sailors were burned to death. Citizens who raced to the scene say Spanish patrol boats hovered near the wreck after the blast.
Americans demand answers — and swift justice. Letters pour into the offices of Congress calling for the immediate punishment of those responsible. "They struck at our flag and our honor," one mourner cried. What will the Republic do? The nation waits, blood burning in its veins, for retribution!
(End of article teaser) — Continued on Page 4
Secondary story 1 (large, sensational headline):
Headline: SPANISH ATROCITIES IN CUBA — PRIESTS, WOMEN AND CHILDREN SUFFER!
Lead paragraph:
Reports reach us of new outrages by Spanish forces against Cuban civilians — tortures, summary executions, and the burning of villages. The insurgents tell of whole families driven from their homes. The American people can no longer stand idly by while such barbarity continues next door!
Secondary story 2 (political angle, accusatory):
Headline: WILTING WASHINGTON — WILL OUR PRESIDENT STAND BY OR STRIKE BACK?
Lead paragraph:
President McKinley has ordered a cautious inquiry, but the hearts of patriots cry out for action. Congress must not dither. The people demand that those who attacked the Maine be punished — with force if necessary!
Other visual/format suggestions for yellow layout:
- Exploded-type headline fonts, huge exclamation points.
- Lots of illustrations and hand-colored engravings.
- Pull quotes in huge type: "VENGEANCE!" "SPAIN MUST PAY!"
- Minimal sourcing, many anonymous eyewitness accounts.
- Short, punchy paragraphs and emotional adjectives (monstrous, savage, butchered).
— PAGE B: OBJECTIVE / TRADITIONAL FRONT PAGE ——
Masthead: THE DAILY REGISTER
Dateline: NEW YORK / HAVANA, February 16, 1898
Main Headline (prominent but restrained): USS Maine Destroyed in Havana Harbor; 266 Dead — Cause Under Inquiry
Subheadline: Explosion Sinks Battleship; U.S. Demands Immediate Investigation from Spanish Authorities
Lead article (measured, sourced, contextualized):
Dateline: HAVANA, Feb. 15 — By our Special Correspondent
An explosion aboard the United States battleship Maine in Havana Harbor early tonight resulted in the deaths of approximately 266 officers and enlisted men, U.S. Navy officials reported. The ship sank at her anchorage after a sudden and violent blast; some crew members were rescued, but most perished.
U.S. Naval authorities have begun an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Initial reports indicate a violent blast beneath the ship's forward magazines, though naval engineers have not yet concluded whether the explosion was caused by an external mine, an internal accident, or another factor. U.S. representatives in Havana have requested full cooperation from Spanish authorities to allow a thorough inquiry.
Secretary of State [title used generically] has asked for a full report and pledged to inform Congress and the American public as soon as reliable information is available. "We will pursue the facts," a government statement read. At present there is no definitive evidence publicly confirming intentional sabotage or outside attack.
(End of article teaser) — Continued on Page 4
Secondary story 1 (balanced reporting on Cuba):
Headline: Fighting in Cuba Continues; Civilians Report Hardship and Displacement
Lead paragraph:
Reports from the island indicate ongoing skirmishes between Spanish forces and Cuban insurgents. American and foreign correspondents relay accounts of civilian displacement, burned property, and shortages of food in contested districts. Independent verification is incomplete; relief organizations urge caution in interpreting claims from either side.
Secondary story 2 (political, procedural):
Headline: Congress Calls for Calm; Leaders Urge Full Investigation Before Action
Lead paragraph:
In Washington, lawmakers expressed shock at the loss of life and called for a careful examination of the facts. While some members urged a strong response should foul play be confirmed, others cautioned against immediate escalation without conclusive evidence. Congressional committees have asked for briefings from the State and Navy Departments.
Visual/format suggestions for objective layout:
- Clear datelines and attribution for facts and quotes.
- Photographs or factual engravings with neutral captions: "Wreckage of the Maine in Havana Harbor — photo by U.S. Navy" (or "artist's sketch where no photo available").
- Smaller, plain headlines; no exclamation marks.
- Longer paragraphs with context (previous complaints, history of Cuban unrest, procedural steps the government is taking).
- Prominent note: "Investigation ongoing — definitive cause not yet established."
— ANALYSIS / TEACHING NOTES (how these illustrate yellow journalism differences) —
- Tone: Yellow journalism (Page A) uses incendiary, accusatory language and asserts conclusions (Spain did it) without careful sourcing. Objective journalism (Page B) emphasizes uncertainty, reports who said what, and avoids drawing premature conclusions.
- Headlines: Yellow headlines are sensational, emotional, and declarative; objective headlines state the fact and qualify uncertainty.
- Sourcing & Evidence: Yellow page relies on unnamed eyewitnesses and appeals to emotion; the objective page names institutions (U.S. Navy, congressional committees), includes quotes from official statements, and notes investigations.
- Visuals & Layout: Yellow uses dramatic, sometimes lurid illustrations and oversized headline treatments to provoke outrage. Objective uses factual photos/sketches and more restrained typography to inform.
- Purpose: Yellow aims to inflame public opinion and push for immediate action (war/vengeance). Objective aims to inform readers so they can understand facts and deliberative steps.
If you want, I can:
- Convert either mockup into a printable single-page layout (PDF) with exact column widths and typeface suggestions.
- Provide a version tailored to a specific classroom rubric (word counts, number of articles, image sizes).
- Create a sample editorial or political cartoon to accompany either front page.
Note: dates and facts kept historically accurate where relevant (USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, about 266 dead). Language in the yellow-journalism page intentionally includes sensational claims and emotionally loaded wording to show how presentation changes reader reaction.
— PAGE A: YELLOW JOURNALISM FRONT PAGE ——
Masthead: THE DAILY SENTINEL
Dateline: NEW YORK, February 16, 1898
Main Headline (very large, bold, centered, exclamation): THE MAINE BLOWN UP — 266 AMERICANS MURDERED BY SPAIN!
Subheadline (large): Horrible Massacre in Havana Harbor — Our Brave Boys Suffered Savage Treachery — Vengeance Demanded!
Large lead image idea: Dramatic, hand-colored engraving of the Maine exploding in the night, men thrown into the water, flames and smoke. Caption in bold: HORROR IN HAVANA — THE MAINE ERUPTS IN A BLOODBATH.
Lead article (sensational tone, short paragraphs, emotional appeals):
Dateline: HAVANA, Feb. 15 — By our Special Correspondent
A monstrous crime has been committed! In the black of night the battleship U.S.S. Maine was torn to pieces in Havana Harbor, and 266 of our countrymen sank with her into the sea. Survivors tell of a thunderous blast, a great wall of fire and screaming men flung into the water. All evidence points to deliberate Spanish treachery!
Eyewitnesses describe what can only be called sabotage: a concussion from beneath the keel, followed by a rain of timbers and iron. Officers were crushed in their bunks; sailors were burned to death. Citizens who raced to the scene say Spanish patrol boats hovered near the wreck after the blast.
Americans demand answers — and swift justice. Letters pour into the offices of Congress calling for the immediate punishment of those responsible. "They struck at our flag and our honor," one mourner cried. What will the Republic do? The nation waits, blood burning in its veins, for retribution!
(End of article teaser) — Continued on Page 4
Secondary story 1 (large, sensational headline):
Headline: SPANISH ATROCITIES IN CUBA — PRIESTS, WOMEN AND CHILDREN SUFFER!
Lead paragraph:
Reports reach us of new outrages by Spanish forces against Cuban civilians — tortures, summary executions, and the burning of villages. The insurgents tell of whole families driven from their homes. The American people can no longer stand idly by while such barbarity continues next door!
Secondary story 2 (political angle, accusatory):
Headline: WILTING WASHINGTON — WILL OUR PRESIDENT STAND BY OR STRIKE BACK?
Lead paragraph:
President McKinley has ordered a cautious inquiry, but the hearts of patriots cry out for action. Congress must not dither. The people demand that those who attacked the Maine be punished — with force if necessary!
Other visual/format suggestions for yellow layout:
- Exploded-type headline fonts, huge exclamation points.
- Lots of illustrations and hand-colored engravings.
- Pull quotes in huge type: "VENGEANCE!" "SPAIN MUST PAY!"
- Minimal sourcing, many anonymous eyewitness accounts.
- Short, punchy paragraphs and emotional adjectives (monstrous, savage, butchered).
— PAGE B: OBJECTIVE / TRADITIONAL FRONT PAGE ——
Masthead: THE DAILY REGISTER
Dateline: NEW YORK / HAVANA, February 16, 1898
Main Headline (prominent but restrained): USS Maine Destroyed in Havana Harbor; 266 Dead — Cause Under Inquiry
Subheadline: Explosion Sinks Battleship; U.S. Demands Immediate Investigation from Spanish Authorities
Lead article (measured, sourced, contextualized):
Dateline: HAVANA, Feb. 15 — By our Special Correspondent
An explosion aboard the United States battleship Maine in Havana Harbor early tonight resulted in the deaths of approximately 266 officers and enlisted men, U.S. Navy officials reported. The ship sank at her anchorage after a sudden and violent blast; some crew members were rescued, but most perished.
U.S. Naval authorities have begun an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Initial reports indicate a violent blast beneath the ship's forward magazines, though naval engineers have not yet concluded whether the explosion was caused by an external mine, an internal accident, or another factor. U.S. representatives in Havana have requested full cooperation from Spanish authorities to allow a thorough inquiry.
Secretary of State [title used generically] has asked for a full report and pledged to inform Congress and the American public as soon as reliable information is available. "We will pursue the facts," a government statement read. At present there is no definitive evidence publicly confirming intentional sabotage or outside attack.
(End of article teaser) — Continued on Page 4
Secondary story 1 (balanced reporting on Cuba):
Headline: Fighting in Cuba Continues; Civilians Report Hardship and Displacement
Lead paragraph:
Reports from the island indicate ongoing skirmishes between Spanish forces and Cuban insurgents. American and foreign correspondents relay accounts of civilian displacement, burned property, and shortages of food in contested districts. Independent verification is incomplete; relief organizations urge caution in interpreting claims from either side.
Secondary story 2 (political, procedural):
Headline: Congress Calls for Calm; Leaders Urge Full Investigation Before Action
Lead paragraph:
In Washington, lawmakers expressed shock at the loss of life and called for a careful examination of the facts. While some members urged a strong response should foul play be confirmed, others cautioned against immediate escalation without conclusive evidence. Congressional committees have asked for briefings from the State and Navy Departments.
Visual/format suggestions for objective layout:
- Clear datelines and attribution for facts and quotes.
- Photographs or factual engravings with neutral captions: "Wreckage of the Maine in Havana Harbor — photo by U.S. Navy" (or "artist's sketch where no photo available").
- Smaller, plain headlines; no exclamation marks.
- Longer paragraphs with context (previous complaints, history of Cuban unrest, procedural steps the government is taking).
- Prominent note: "Investigation ongoing — definitive cause not yet established."
— ANALYSIS / TEACHING NOTES (how these illustrate yellow journalism differences) —
- Tone: Yellow journalism (Page A) uses incendiary, accusatory language and asserts conclusions (Spain did it) without careful sourcing. Objective journalism (Page B) emphasizes uncertainty, reports who said what, and avoids drawing premature conclusions.
- Headlines: Yellow headlines are sensational, emotional, and declarative; objective headlines state the fact and qualify uncertainty.
- Sourcing & Evidence: Yellow page relies on unnamed eyewitnesses and appeals to emotion; the objective page names institutions (U.S. Navy, congressional committees), includes quotes from official statements, and notes investigations.
- Visuals & Layout: Yellow uses dramatic, sometimes lurid illustrations and oversized headline treatments to provoke outrage. Objective uses factual photos/sketches and more restrained typography to inform.
- Purpose: Yellow aims to inflame public opinion and push for immediate action (war/vengeance). Objective aims to inform readers so they can understand facts and deliberative steps.
If you want, I can:
- Convert either mockup into a printable single-page layout (PDF) with exact column widths and typeface suggestions.
- Provide a version tailored to a specific classroom rubric (word counts, number of articles, image sizes).
- Create a sample editorial or political cartoon to accompany either front page.
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