LAD #22: McKinley's War Message

President McKinley asserts his belief that the war between Cuba and her Spain should be brought to a close as quickly as possible in his address to Congress in April 1898. McKinley firmly believes that the constant insurrections between Spain and Cuba are harmful to America's trade, the United States' capital investments there, and the frantic mindsets of so many American citizens. McKinley strongly urges Congress to end the war by any number of means necessary, including neutral intervention so long as a forceful annexation can be avoided. When thinking about the rationality of this option, McKinley realizes that if American is forced to choose either Spain or Cuba to support during this era of conflict, he would most likely side with Spain to end the hostile and revolutionary acts of the insurgents. A neutral resolution, however, would be much more justifiable given the time period, yet it would involve a much more difficult four step process to achieve. Primarily, the United States would have to recognize its relation with the conflict closely to the liberties of the people living within the region. Thirdly, any call to protection must be made legal by any injuries on the country itself (for example things such as trade blockades or American Bloodshed). Lastly, the United States would be called in to terminate any hostilities that would endanger the well being of America itself. Conclusively, the two nations, having spheres of influence both economically and socially with America, the United States had a duty to pacify Cuba in the end