LAD/Blog #23: McKinley's War Message

McKinley states that the conflict between the United States, Cuba, and Spain needs to cease as it harms the nation's commerce and requires large spending in enforcing the neutrality laws. Not only that, but America's investments in Cuba had been lost. He further persuades his audience of the necessity by declaring Cuba's liberty as not only being the best thing for our country, but also the end of human rights violations in Cuba. For those reasons, McKinley states it is America's duty to protect Cuba. He also mentions the destruction of the battle ship The Maine where 260 people were killed. With this justification, McKinley asks for congressional approval to go to war.

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 caused the US to break their policy of neutrality and enter WWII. Similarly, McKinley used the destruction of The Maine along with other reasons to justify going to war.