Calderwood Writing Course: U.S. History
Imperialism and the Spanish–American War

Yellow Press Headlines

Look at these newpaper front pages to find examples of yellow journalism. Click each image to enlarge.

Consider how this reporting would have affected the American public's support for going to war with Spain. 

Spanish Treachery!
Front page of N.Y. Journal
Headline: Crisis is at had; Cabinet in session; Growing belief in Spanish Treachery. Maine Destroyed by an Outside Attack...
This was the front page of William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal on February 16, 1898, the day after the Maine’s destruction.
The Spirit of War!
Front page of S.F. Examiner
Headline: The spirit of war pervades the breast of all Americans. Patriotic Citizens Advocate Recourse to Arms to Wreak Vengeance Upon Spain for the Cruel and Cowardly Destruction of the Maine.
The San Francisco Examiner, also owned by William Randolph Hearst, published this on its front page in February 1898. 
Explosion!
Front page of N.Y. World
Headline: Maine Explosion Caused by Bomb or Torpedo?
Not to be outdone by Hearst’s papers, Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World also reported on the sinking of the Maine on February 17, 1898.

Take Notes

Now that you have reviewed these front pages, respond to the following in writing: 

  1. Provide evidence that the yellow press was biased in its reporting of the sinking of the Maine. 

  2. In what ways do these headlines and images promote U.S. involvement in a war with Spain?

Support your answers with quotations from the headlines or descriptions of the images.

Calderwood Writing Course: U.S. History

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