Remember the Maine!
At the beginning of 1898, the U.S. Army could only field about 25,000 men.
Most of the guard units carried the M1873 Springfield rifle, chambered for the black powder-propelled .45-70 cartridge.
At that moment, the Krag rifle was one of Americas most modern infantry weapons.
The Mauser rifle and its modern, high-velocity cartridge held almost every advantage over the .30-40 Krag.
Spanish rifles accounted for many of the 144 dead and 1,024 wounded on that day.
Then another, and another.
Our advance was slow and costly.
Colonel Roosevelts Rough Riders, many of whom were equipped with M1896 Krag carbines.
Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt led the former detachment and tore through the brush, urging his men on.
Months after the war with Spain ended, an uprising in Americas new Philippine Territory began in February 1899.
The Krag rifle also saw considerable action during the China Relief Expedition.
As more trainees arrived, the army turned to its supply of Krag rifles.
