Welcome to the first episode of the year! We are continuing our series on the Spanish-American War. We are transitioning from Tampa, Florida to the Island of Cuba. The commanding general of V Corps, William Shafter, landed outside of Santiago de Cuba. Rather than reduce the fortifications at the mouth of the harbor, Shafter was ready to move against the Spanish garrison in the city. He chose to attack Spanish outposts at San Juan and Kettle Hills and El Caney. The breezy optimism that the Americans had were dashed by a robust Spanish defense. While the Americans were able to successful capture the Spanish positions, it came at a higher cost than anticipated. The battle may have made the career of Theodore Roosevelt, but it shook Shafter's confidence.
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