LAD #18 McKinley's War Message

At first the United States kept its neutrality policy when Cuba revolted against its Spanish rulers. The United States had to intervene finally and gave Spain and ultimatum, which Spain accepted. McKinley then told Congress to do whatever they could to end the revolt. Spain then never did the ultimatum, which forced the United States to enter the war on the side of the Cubans. President McKinley then addressed Congress. McKinley explained that a war is going on in Cuba and the United States needed to intervene. The revolt that is currently going on has been fought by Cubans against there conquerors Spain for many years now. Because of this war in Cuba, United States trade and investments within Cuba have suffered. McKinley does not think that if the Cubans won the war anything different would happen to change their situation. He made a previous address to Congress last December where he also discussed the Cuban insurrection. Last December he said that the annexation of Cuba would be considered "criminal aggression." Earlier in 1875 President Grant made a statement saying that the United States could not recognize Cuba as and independent nation. McKinley still to this day agrees with President Grants thoughts on Cuba. He said that there are two different ways they can enter the war either making the two sides compromise or by fighting on one specific parties side. At the beginning when the war first started happening the United States tried the compromise idea, but that failed to work since Spain usually ignored there requests. Set by earlier precedents it is ok for the United States to intervene to stop a war in neighboring states and countries. McKinley then gave possible reasons for interventions. One was to put an end to bloodshed and hostilities. A second reason for intervention is that the Cubans were being deprived of their legal protection and it is our job to protect the Cubans legal rights. A third reason for intervention was because of the suffering of commerce and trade. A fourth reason is that Cuba is very close to the United States and the war and revolt could spread. Another reason for United States intervention was the destruction of the Maine which was docked in a Havana harbor. He then said that the issue was up to Congress for them to decide what to do.