LAD #18: McKinley’s War Message

On April 11, 1898, President William McKinley spoke to Congress about the war between Spain and Cuba. Previously he stated that the war in Cuba had to stop. McKinley continued to keep America neutral. There was no indication of a compromise and McKinley stated his belief that it was America’s rightful duty to enter warfare. American trade was suffering as a result of the war and a compromise fixed the problem with keeping in mind that sure victory was unlikely. McKinley wanted to keep peace and fix commerce by aiding Cuba in their fight against Spain. America’s best interest was to intervene with the war between Cuba and Spain, McKinley still helps Cuba regardless of his motives. He hoped to portray American in a positive light.