The Spanish -- American War ( , `` desastre del 98 '' , `` Guerra Hispano-Cubana-Norteamericana '' or `` Guerra de Cuba '' ) was a military conflict between Spain and the United States that began in April 1898 .
, `` desastre del 98 '' , `` Guerra Hispano-Cubana-Norteamericana '' or `` Guerra de Cuba '' ) was a military conflict between Spain and the United States . It began in April 1898 .