Although the press invented sensational stories, Cubans indeed suffered horribly.
The Cuban rebels staged hit and run raids, burned plantations and sugar mills, tore up railroad tracks, and attacked supply depots.
General Valeriano Wyler was sent by Spain along with 200000 troops to put down the rebellion, his harsh policies earned him the name of “the butcher”.
Calls for War:
In 1897 Republican William McKinley became president of the US.
The new president did not want to intervene in the war, believing it would cost too many lives and hurt the economy.
Spain removed Weyler from power and offered the Cubans autonomy—the right to their own government—but only if Cuba remained part of the Spanish empire.
The Cuban rebels refused to negotiate.
Spain’s concessions enraged many Spanish loyalists in Cuba who then began to riot in Havana