The Spanish-American War of 1898 is often passed over by scholars and history buffs, but the approach of the centennial has generated a renewed interest in this conflict - its causes, consequences, and conduct - an area surprisingly lacking in study until now. This collection of essays by some of the nation's top naval and military historians - David F. Trask, Graham A. Cosmas, Harold D. Langley, and Jack Shulimson, to name a few - examines for the first time the actions of America's naval, military, and diplomatic communities during the war, actions that led to victory against Spain, the U.S. domination of the Philippines, and transformation of the United States into a world power. Drawing from primary sources, this book sheds new perspectives on the negotiations and diplomatic maneuvers preceding the war, and explores the boom in intelligence gathering by the United States. It explains how this new intelligence influenced the formation of military strategy and how the joint operations between the Army and Navy were carried out - and how effective they were. It examines the impact of the Marine Corps on the war and how this conflict changed the Corps itself. Crucible of Empire takes a fresh look at the controversial Battle of Santiago from the points of view of Commodores Sampson and Schley, and discusses numerous command problems and disagreements. Also considered are the expansionist designs of President McKinley, the taking of the Philippine Islands, and the resulting impact on the strategic planning, naval service, and defense responsibility of the United States beyond the Western Hemisphere. This volume contributes to the ongoing re-interpretation of this pivotal era of American history. Together the essays trace not only the impact of the armed forces on America's rise to world prominence, but also the transformation of the Navy, Army, and Marines as they entered the modern era.

Includes maps of: Battle of Manila Bay; Blockade of Santiago Harbor; Battle of Santiago.

Diplomat and naval intelligence officer : the duties of Lt. George L. Dyer, U.S. Naval attaché to Spain / Diane E. Cooper -- American intelligence during the Spanish-American War / David F. Trask -- William T. Sampson and Santiago : blockade, victory and controversy / Joseph G. Dawson III -- Winfield S. Schley and Santiago : a new look at an old controversy / Harold D. Langley -- Joint operations in the Spanish-American War / Graham A. Cosmas -- Marines in the Spanish-American War / Jack Shulimson -- The struggle for Samar / Brian M. Linn -- Naval service in the age of empire / Vernon L. Williams -- William McKinley's enduring legacy : the historiographical debate on the taking of the Philippine Islands / Ephraim K. Smith.