This inquiry kit features Library of Congress sources about yellow journalism and its impact on America's entry into the Spanish American War.

Thinking Questions

Putting Yellow Journalism in Its Place

color cartoon drawing of a man with a hat reading “Shafter”

This cartoon from 1898 shows General William Shafter dropping a "Yellow Journalism" reporter into the ocean.

New York Journal: July 1, 1898

front page of New York Journal newspaper from 1898

The front page of the New York Journal in 1898 reported important events in the midst of the Spanish-American war.

The Yellow Press

color drawing of a man in a jester outfit tossing yellow newspapers in the air towards a crowd of people

This illustration from 1910 shows William Randolph Hearst dressed as a jester running the machine of yellow journalism.

Bad for Business

color cartoon drawing of a man covering an ear while men play brass instruments around him

This newsprint from March 25, 1896 shows yellow journalists as street musicians playing songs promoting war.

Wreck of the Battleship "Maine"

black and white screenshot of original film footage of a ship in a harbor

This silent film shows the wreckage of the U.S.S. Maine battleship in Havana Harbor in February 1898.

Crucible of Empire: The Spanish-American War

screenshot of website with brown text on a cream background, includes an image of a young William Randolph Hearst

This PBS website discusses yellow journalism and the Spanish-American War.