This work examines in how far yellow journalism served as a warmonger in the Spanish-American War. It starts with an overview of yellow journalism and focuses on its origin, the rivalry between the two most influential editors of that era, William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. After that, the author describes the benefits of American military intervention in the conflict between Cuba and Spain. Then, events like the explosion of the USS Maine and how they were presented to the American population in the media, more specifically in the newspapers, are described. This will lead to the penultimate part, in which the outbreak of the war is studied. To conclude, the author sums up the impact of yellow journalism on the Spanish–American War in contrast to the other presented significant causes.
We are now in the 21st century and confronted with a wider variety of media than ever before consisting not only of newspapers and radio, but also of television and the internet. This increases the possibilities of shaping public opinion for the purpose of either financial profit or political gain. In this context the term post-truth has emerged and was even declared. Such a term could also have been used more than a century ago in order to describe the phenomenon treated in this work: yellow journalism. However, at that time, the only source of information for people to rely on was the newspaper. Accordingly, its significance was even greater.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Origin, Definition and Development of Yellow Journalism
- The Rivalry between New York Editors Pulitzer and Hearst
- Coining of the Term
- Definition of the Term Yellow Journalism
- The Benefits for the United States of Intervening in the Conflict between Cuba and Spain
- Imperialism
- Business Interests
- Public Opinion
- The Reporting of Evangelina Cosio y Cisneros
- The De Lôme Letter
- The Sinking of the USS Maine
- The Outbreak of War
Objectives and Key Themes
This research examines the extent to which yellow journalism influenced the Spanish-American War. The study analyzes the origins and development of yellow journalism, focusing on the rivalry between Pulitzer and Hearst, and explores how this journalistic style shaped public opinion regarding American intervention in Cuba.
- The origins and definition of yellow journalism.
- The role of Pulitzer and Hearst in shaping journalistic practices.
- The impact of yellow journalism on public opinion concerning the Spanish-American War.
- The interplay between yellow journalism and other factors contributing to the war.
- The methods employed by yellow journalists to influence public opinion.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the ever-expanding media landscape of the 21st century and its impact on shaping public opinion. It introduces the concept of "post-truth" and connects it to the historical phenomenon of yellow journalism, emphasizing the significant role newspapers played in influencing public discourse before the proliferation of modern media. The chapter outlines the study's focus on yellow journalism's role as a potential warmonger in the Spanish-American War and details the paper's structure, which is divided into five main parts.
Origin, Definition and Development of Yellow Journalism: This chapter delves into the origins of yellow journalism, tracing its roots to the intense rivalry between Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. It profiles both editors, highlighting their distinct journalistic styles and competitive strategies, which involved sensationalism, bold headlines, and even manipulation of news. The chapter examines how their rivalry contributed to the widespread adoption and definition of yellow journalism, showcasing their innovative yet ethically questionable techniques in pursuit of circulation dominance.
The Benefits for the United States of Intervening in the Conflict between Cuba and Spain: This chapter analyzes the arguments presented for U.S. intervention in the Spanish-Cuban conflict. It explores the role of imperialism and the economic interests of American businesses as significant factors driving the push for war. The chapter likely details the political and strategic justifications for intervention, exploring whether these factors were amplified or distorted by the media environment.
Public Opinion: This chapter focuses on how key events leading up to the war were presented to the American public through the lens of yellow journalism. It analyzes specific examples like the reporting on Evangelina Cosio y Cisneros, the De Lôme Letter, and the sinking of the USS Maine, examining how these events were sensationalized and potentially manipulated to influence public opinion in favor of war. The chapter dissects the techniques used to craft narratives that stirred public emotions and fueled support for intervention.
Keywords
Yellow Journalism, Spanish-American War, Joseph Pulitzer, William Randolph Hearst, Public Opinion, Propaganda, Sensationalism, Imperialism, Media Influence, News Manipulation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Yellow Journalism and the Spanish-American War
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of a research paper examining the influence of yellow journalism on the Spanish-American War. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What topics are covered in the research paper?
The research paper explores the origins and development of yellow journalism, focusing on the rivalry between Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. It analyzes how yellow journalism shaped public opinion regarding American intervention in Cuba, examining the interplay between yellow journalism and other factors contributing to the war. Specific events like the reporting on Evangelina Cosio y Cisneros, the De Lôme Letter, and the sinking of the USS Maine are analyzed to show how they were presented to the public and influenced public opinion.
What are the key themes of the research?
Key themes include the origins and definition of yellow journalism; the role of Pulitzer and Hearst in shaping journalistic practices; the impact of yellow journalism on public opinion concerning the Spanish-American War; the interplay between yellow journalism and other factors contributing to the war; and the methods employed by yellow journalists to influence public opinion.
What is yellow journalism?
The document defines yellow journalism as a style of journalism characterized by sensationalism, bold headlines, and manipulation of news, often driven by intense competition between publishers, as exemplified by the rivalry between Pulitzer and Hearst.
How did Pulitzer and Hearst contribute to yellow journalism?
Pulitzer and Hearst are presented as key figures in the development of yellow journalism. Their intense rivalry and competitive strategies, which involved sensationalism and manipulation of news, are highlighted as major contributors to the widespread adoption and definition of this journalistic style.
What role did public opinion play in the Spanish-American War?
The research examines how yellow journalism shaped public opinion regarding the Spanish-American War. It analyzes how specific events were reported and sensationalized to influence public support for American intervention in Cuba.
What other factors besides yellow journalism contributed to the Spanish-American War?
The research also considers other factors, such as imperialism and the economic interests of American businesses, that contributed to the push for war, exploring how these factors interacted with the influence of yellow journalism.
What specific events are analyzed in the research?
The research analyzes the reporting on Evangelina Cosio y Cisneros, the De Lôme Letter, and the sinking of the USS Maine, examining how these events were presented in the media and their impact on public opinion.
What are the chapter summaries?
The document provides summaries for an introduction chapter, a chapter detailing the origin and development of yellow journalism, a chapter analyzing the benefits of US intervention in the Spanish-Cuban conflict, a chapter focusing on public opinion, and an implied conclusion (not explicitly summarized).
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Yellow Journalism, Spanish-American War, Joseph Pulitzer, William Randolph Hearst, Public Opinion, Propaganda, Sensationalism, Imperialism, Media Influence, News Manipulation.
- Quote paper
- Emanuel Morhard (Author), 2017, Yellow Journalism as a Warmonger in the Spanish-American War, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/499626
