LAD #18: McKinley's War Message

In 1895 the Cubans revolted against their Spanish rulers. This war was extremely bloody and gruesome, so after three years of following a policy of neutrality, the United States sent an ultimatum to Madrid demanding, among other things, that Spain immediately cease all fighting and grant an armistice to the Cuban revolutionists. On April 11, President McKinley took steps to ask Congress to help stop the war in Cuba. After a few days, the United States found themselves on the side of the Cubans. In McKinley’s war message he states how the war is basically a stalemate, and that the war will only stop when one side gets too worn out. He states that the war needs to end, because it is not beneficial for the Americans. The three ways he proposes to end the war. One is to remain impartial and neutral, two to make radical compromise, or three to step in as an ally to one side. Overall, it is clear that McKinley thinks the war is not beneficial.