What is A major weakness of Spain in the Spanish American War?

Spain had several weaknesses that contributed to its defeat in the Spanish-American War. One major weakness was its outdated and poorly equipped navy. Spain's naval fleet was largely made up of old, wooden ships that were no match for the modern steel warships of the United States Navy. The United States had also invested heavily in naval technology, such as the new smokeless powder, which gave its ships a significant advantage in combat.

Another weakness was Spain's lack of a strong industrial base. Spain's economy was largely agricultural and it relied on imports for many manufactured goods. This made it difficult for Spain to produce the weapons and supplies needed to sustain a long war. The United States, on the other hand, had a strong industrial base and was able to quickly produce the necessary war materials.

Spain also suffered from internal political instability and a lack of unity. The country was divided between those who supported the war and those who opposed it. This division weakened Spain's ability to effectively prosecute the war. The United States, on the other hand, was united in its support for the war and was able to mobilize its resources more effectively.

Additionally, Spain's colonies were spread out over a vast area, making it difficult for the Spanish to defend them all. The United States was able to exploit this weakness by attacking multiple colonies simultaneously, overstretching Spanish defenses.

In summary, Spain's antiquated navy, weak industrial base, internal divisions, and the scattered nature of its colonies were all major weaknesses that contributed to its defeat in the Spanish-American War.