LAD #22: President McKinley's War Message

 

Damn, that's a lot of 'Murica in one photo.

In this message to Congress, McKinley addresses the Cuban revolution against Spain and their efforts to earn their independence. The US had tried to maintain neutrality in this conflict, but they were unable to do so for long, as in 1898 its government demanded that Spain cease fighting and grant an armistice to the rebels. Although Spain agreed to this ultimatum, Congress adopted a joint resolution to go to war against Spain in support of Cuba, under McKinley's orders he gave through a War Message. In this message, he states that American investments in Cuba had been lost, and American citizens in Cuba were in danger. McKinley claims intervention is necessary under the circumstanced to protect commerce between the US and Cuba. He also mentions the Spanish destruction of the USS Maine and requests the ability to end hostilities between the two countries, asking for permission to go to war with Spain.