LAD #22: McKinley's War Messsage

Spain and Cuba had been fighting for many years, and McKinley finally talked to Congress about ending the war. He first talked about how each Cuban insurrection has cost the U.S. and as president he felt it was his job to address Congress. Trade with Cuba has suffered and the war ending soon is not likely. He had said previously that he would not annex Cuba, and rather he would be neutral. Therefore, McKinley formally proclaims America's neutrality and says that America will find other ways to help the Cubans. America will only formally enter the war if a few things happen. 1) If the war becomes miserable, and humanities suffer 2) Protecting the Cubans and giving them protection 3)If trade ends or destruction of property occurs 4)If our ships are attacked or our liberties are threatened. The USS Maine was destroyed, and due to this the war in Cuba must stop. It has hurt us economically and now it has hurt our navy physically. Now we await Congresses action, and hopefully this action helps our country

Pictured Above: William McKinley