LAD #22: McKinley's War Message

LAD #22: McKinley's War Message

McKinley prefaces his message to Congress by stating that it is his Constitutional duty to inform them on his opinions, in the case on the War in Cuba and Spanish-American relations. He then continues to say that the conflicts in Cuba have caused the U.S. to have to deal with establishing neutrality policies, and that some of the atrocities of war have actually offended the American people. He also mentions the economic consequences of the conflict for Americans that invested in Cuban trade, saying that this in fact has caused unrest in America. McKinley believes that no side can win without one or the other being completely destroyed/exhausted, and he says that the U.S. will not accept that outcome. Next, McKinley refers back to his statements in December. He states what options the U.S. has and that recognizing independence or belligerence would cause problems and that annexation is not even being considered. Then, McKinley says that a proclamation of neutrality would also accomplish nothing because it would recognize the insurgents as belligerents. He eventually comes to the conclusion that the right decision is to forcefully end the war as a third party. He states that the U.S. is in fact justified in doing so for four reasons. One, the close proximity to Cuba makes it America's responsibility. Two, the rights and lives of Americans in Cuba need protection. Three, the conflict is detrimental to American trade and commerce. Finally, the most important, four, the conflict is a "menace to our peace," and American ships are at risk of seizure close to home. Next, he discusses the USS Maine, which was destroyed by a submarine mine in Havana, killing 258 soldiers. McKinley says that that proves the need to intervene. According to him, the length of the conflict proves that it will not end by itself, so he asks Congress for the power to use the military to intervene. He adds at the end that the Spanish are willing to stop the fighting and make peace.

This reminded me of how the United States entered World War I after the sinking of the Lusitania because submarines had attacked a ship with Americans aboard. This is similar to the destruction of the USS Maine leading to the Spanish-American War.