News Coverage of the Persian Gulf War

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 11 views

The Evolution of War Coverage: A Comparative Analysis of the Spanish-American War and the Persian Gulf War

The way wars are covered in the media has undergone significant changes over the years. The Spanish-American War (1898-1899) and the Persian Gulf War (1990-1991) are two pivotal conflicts that highlight the transformation of war coverage. In this article, we will delve into the news coverage of both wars, focusing on the atrocities committed by Spain and Iraq, respectively, and the interest stories that captivated the public's attention. By analyzing these two conflicts, we can draw valuable conclusions about the evolution of war coverage and its impact on public perception.

The Spanish-American War: A War of Imperialism

The Spanish-American War was a brief but significant conflict that marked the emergence of the United States as a global power. The war was sparked by the Cuban War of Independence, which had been ongoing since 1868. The United States, which had significant economic interests in Cuba, eventually declared war on Spain in 1898. The war was fought primarily in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, with the United States ultimately emerging victorious.

News Coverage of the Spanish-American War

The news coverage of the Spanish-American War was marked by sensationalism and a focus on the atrocities committed by Spain. The war was seen as a clash between the "civilized" West and the "barbaric" East, with Spain being portrayed as the primary aggressor. The media highlighted the brutal treatment of Cuban civilians by Spanish forces, including the use of torture and forced labor. The war was also seen as a way for the United States to assert its dominance over Spain and expand its empire.

The Persian Gulf War: A War of Liberation

The Persian Gulf War was a conflict sparked by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. The war was fought primarily in Kuwait and Iraq, with a coalition of countries led by the United States ultimately emerging victorious. The war was seen as a way to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation and restore regional stability.

News Coverage of the Persian Gulf War

The news coverage of the Persian Gulf War was marked by a focus on the atrocities committed by Iraq, including the use of chemical weapons and the mistreatment of Kuwaiti civilians. The war was also seen as a way for the United States to assert its dominance over Iraq and protect its interests in the region. The media highlighted the bravery of coalition forces and the suffering of Kuwaiti civilians, with many stories focusing on the human cost of the war.

By analyzing the news coverage of the Spanish-American War and the Persian Gulf War, we can draw several conclusions about the evolution of war coverage. Firstly, the focus on atrocities committed by the opposing side has remained a constant theme throughout history. Secondly, the media has played a significant role in shaping public perception of war, often highlighting the human cost and the bravery of soldiers. Finally, the way wars are covered in the media has become increasingly sensationalized, with a focus on interest stories and dramatic footage.

The Impact of War Coverage on Public Perception

The way wars are covered in the media has a significant impact on public perception. By highlighting the atrocities committed by the opposing side, the media can create a sense of outrage and moral clarity. However, this can also lead to a simplistic and binary view of war, with the opposing side being portrayed as purely evil. The media can also create a sense of drama and excitement around war, often focusing on interest stories and dramatic footage. This can lead to a desensitization of the public to the human cost of war, with many people becoming numb to the suffering of civilians and soldiers.

The Future of War Coverage

As technology continues to evolve, the way wars are covered in the media will likely change. With the rise of social media and online news platforms, the public will have access to a vast array of information about war. However, this can also lead to a proliferation of misinformation and propaganda. The media must be careful to verify information and provide accurate and balanced coverage of war. By doing so, the media can play a positive role in shaping public perception of war and promoting a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of conflict.

In conclusion, the news coverage of the Spanish-American War and the Persian Gulf War highlights the evolution of war coverage over the years. By analyzing the focus on atrocities committed by the opposing side, the impact of war coverage on public perception, and the future of war coverage, we can draw valuable conclusions about the role of the media in shaping public understanding of war. As the media continues to evolve, it is essential that it provides accurate and balanced coverage of war, promoting a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of conflict.
Q&A: The Evolution of War Coverage

In our previous article, we explored the evolution of war coverage through a comparative analysis of the Spanish-American War and the Persian Gulf War. We examined the way the media covered these conflicts, highlighting the atrocities committed by Spain and Iraq, respectively, and the interest stories that captivated the public's attention. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the evolution of war coverage.

Q: What is the significance of the Spanish-American War in the context of war coverage?

A: The Spanish-American War marked a significant turning point in the way wars were covered in the media. It was one of the first conflicts to be extensively covered by the press, with newspapers and magazines providing detailed accounts of the war. The war also highlighted the importance of sensationalism in war coverage, with the media focusing on the atrocities committed by Spain and the bravery of American soldiers.

Q: How did the Persian Gulf War differ from the Spanish-American War in terms of war coverage?

A: The Persian Gulf War was a more complex and nuanced conflict than the Spanish-American War. The war was fought in a more modern and technologically advanced environment, with the media playing a significant role in shaping public perception of the conflict. The war also highlighted the importance of 24-hour news cycles and the role of satellite television in bringing the conflict to a global audience.

Q: What is the impact of war coverage on public perception?

A: War coverage has a significant impact on public perception, shaping the way people think about and understand conflict. By highlighting the atrocities committed by the opposing side, the media can create a sense of outrage and moral clarity. However, this can also lead to a simplistic and binary view of war, with the opposing side being portrayed as purely evil.

Q: How has the media changed the way we think about war?

A: The media has played a significant role in shaping public perception of war, often highlighting the human cost and the bravery of soldiers. However, this can also lead to a desensitization of the public to the suffering of civilians and soldiers. The media must be careful to provide accurate and balanced coverage of war, promoting a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of conflict.

Q: What is the role of social media in war coverage?

A: Social media has revolutionized the way wars are covered in the media. With the rise of social media and online news platforms, the public has access to a vast array of information about war. However, this can also lead to a proliferation of misinformation and propaganda. The media must be careful to verify information and provide accurate and balanced coverage of war.

Q: How can the media promote a more nuanced understanding of war?

A: The media can promote a more nuanced understanding of war by providing accurate and balanced coverage of conflict. This includes highlighting the complexities of war, the human cost, and the bravery of soldiers. The media must also be careful to avoid sensationalism and propaganda, promoting a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of conflict.

Q: What is the future of war coverage?

A: The future of war coverage is uncertain, but it is likely to be shaped by technological advancements and changes in the way people consume news. The media must be prepared to adapt to these changes, providing accurate and balanced coverage of war and promoting a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of conflict.

In conclusion, the evolution of war coverage is a complex and multifaceted topic. By answering some of the most frequently asked questions about war coverage, we can gain a deeper understanding of the role of the media in shaping public perception of conflict. As the media continues to evolve, it is essential that it provides accurate and balanced coverage of war, promoting a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of conflict.