LAD #22: McKinley's War Message

 On April 11th, 1898, President McKinley addressed Congress about the war in which Cuba was fighting against Spain.  Americans had tried to remain neutral after fighting broke out in 1895 when Cubans began their quest to gain independence.  McKinley spoke to Congress about this ongoing war because for the first time the lives of American citizens were beginning to be affected. Along with this, the economy and trading relations were also being impacted by the war.  McKinley explains that three years into the war there is still no obvious victor, and that he believes America either needs to become neutral in the war, or become a military ally.  McKinley explains that this intervention is necessary to put an end to the bloodshed, protect the lives of Cubans, as well as saving our own trade, and government.  The last reason given was that the U.S.S. Maine was supposedly blown up by a torpedo, so action needed to be taken.  He finalizes his speech by asking Congress to allow the U.S. to take action to make peace.