LAD #22: McKinley's War Message

President McKinley delivered his war message to Congress in 1898, demanding that the war in Cuba be ended because of four reasons. First, he demands that the United States end the barbarities in Cuba as it is their duty. Second, assistance is owed to the citizens of Cuba to give them protection and indemnity for life and property. Third, failure to intervene would lead to devastation of commerce, trade, and business, and the destruction of property and land. Fourth and most importantly, the war is a threat to the peace and neutrality of America. McKinley argues that the destruction of the Maine is evidence that this conflict was too dangerous to not intervene. McKinley begged Congress "in the name of humanity" that the war in Cuba must be stopped. He believed that even after the conflict in Cuba had been resolved, that American support should continue. Lastly, he mentions that Spain had recently informed America that they were planning on ending hostilities, but if not the conflict in Cuba would still exist.