The Spanish American War is the U.S.’ first media war with journalists and film companies actively building support for it. Motion picture technology plays a significant role constructing public perception. Vying for economic dominance, cinematic apparatuses turn into machines for imperialism and war. Moving images and press stories promote heroic images of American participation and reinforce the officially sanctioned version that portrays the war as a humanitarian effort. In July 1898, the U.S. Navy lands 3,300 troops in Guánica, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. wins the war, pays Spain $20 million to acquire Cuba, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam, and sets up military rule in its newly acquired possessions. Racist and dehumanizing images of the colonial populations serve the historical narrative that justify imperial rule.