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List of weapons of the Spanish–American War facts for kids

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The Spanish–American War was a short but important conflict in 1898. It happened between Spain and the United States. The war started mostly because the United States got involved in the ongoing fight for independence in Cuba. This list shows the different weapons used by both sides during this time.

Weapons of the United States

The United States military used a variety of weapons during the war. These included close-combat tools, handguns, rifles, and larger artillery.

Close-Combat Weapons

These were weapons used for fighting up close.

  • Bolo knife: A large knife, often used by the Philippine Revolutionary Army.
  • Bowie knife: Also known as a hunter's knife, a large fighting knife.
  • Cutlass: A short, curved sword, often used by sailors.
  • Krag M1892/98 bayonet: A knife attached to the end of a rifle.
  • M1860 light cavalry saber: A long, curved sword used by soldiers on horseback.
  • Machete: A heavy knife, mostly used by Cuban rebels.
  • Mameluke sword: A type of sword with a curved blade.
  • Sabre: A heavy sword with a curved blade.
  • United States Marine Corps noncommissioned officer's sword: A special sword for Marine Corps leaders.

Handguns

These were smaller firearms that could be held with one hand.

  • Colt M1871/72 Open Top
  • Colt M1873 Single Action Army
  • Colt M1877
  • Colt M1878
  • Colt M1889
  • Colt M1892
  • Colt M1898 New Service
  • Merwin & Hulbert Pocket Army
  • Remington M1875
  • Remington M1890
  • Smith & Wesson No.3
  • Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless

Shotguns

Shotguns fire many small pellets at once, good for close range.

  • Coach gun: A short shotgun, often used from a carriage.
  • Winchester M1887 and M1901
  • Winchester M1893 and M1897

Rifles

Rifles are long firearms used for shooting accurately over longer distances.

  • Colt-Burgess rifle
  • Colt Lightning Carbine
  • Lee M1895 Navy
  • Remington–Lee M1885
  • Remington Rolling Block rifle
  • Spanish Mauser M1893: This rifle was also used by Cuban rebels and the Philippine Revolutionary Army.
  • Springfield M1873
  • Springfield M1884
  • Springfield M1888
  • Springfield M1892/99
  • Winchester Hotchkiss M1876
  • Winchester M1873: Also used by Cuban rebels.
  • Winchester M1886
  • Winchester M1892
  • Winchester M1894
  • Winchester M1895

Explosives and Grenades

These weapons cause damage through explosions.

  • Dynamite: A powerful explosive.
  • Ketchum grenade: A type of hand grenade.

Machine Guns

Machine guns can fire many bullets very quickly.

  • Colt–Browning M1895 machine gun
  • Gatling machine gun: An early type of machine gun with multiple barrels.

Artillery

Artillery refers to large guns or cannons.

  • 3.2-inch M1897 field cannon: A cannon used on battlefields.
  • Dynamite gun: A cannon designed to fire dynamite shells.
  • Hotchkiss cannon
  • Hotchkiss five barrel revolver cannon

Weapons of Spain

Spain's military also used a range of weapons, from swords to cannons.

Close-Combat Weapons

These were used for fighting at very close range.

  • M1874 Spanish cavalry spear: A long weapon with a sharp point, used by soldiers on horseback.
  • M1875 Spanish officer sabre: A sword used by Spanish officers.
  • Spanish Mauser M1893 bayonet: A knife attached to the Spanish Mauser rifle.

Handguns

Smaller firearms for close-quarters combat.

  • MAS M1892
  • Mauser C96: A famous German pistol.
  • Mauser Zig-Zag
  • Orbea No.7 (Smith & Wesson No.7)
  • Smith & Wesson No.3

Shotguns

Shotguns for short-range engagements.

  • Double-barreled shotgun: A shotgun with two barrels.

Rifles

Long-range firearms for Spanish soldiers.

  • Remington Rolling Block rifle
  • Spanish Mauser M1893: A common rifle for the Spanish army.

Explosives and Grenades

Explosive devices used by the Spanish.

Machine Guns

Automatic weapons for rapid firing.

  • Maxim machine gun: One of the first truly automatic machine guns.

Artillery

Large guns and cannons used by the Spanish forces.

  • Krupp kanone: Cannons made by the German Krupp company.

Defensive Gear

Equipment used for protection.

  • M1881 Spanish cavalry cuirass: A piece of armor protecting the chest and back.
  • M1881 Spanish cavalry helmet: A helmet worn by cavalry soldiers.
  • Soldado cuera Spanish shield: A type of shield used by Spanish soldiers.

See also

  • List of weapons of the Philippine revolution
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