LAD #22

 

McKinley's War Message is essentially a piece of rhetoric designed to excite Congress to intervene militarily in the conflict between Spain and Cuba. President McKinley begins the speech by giving some historical background on the conflict and explaining how the conflict has affected the United States. According to McKinley, the Cubans have revolted against their Spanish oppressors multiple times and the United States has been forced to take on significant measures to pursue a policy of neutrality. War crimes have shocked the American people, Cuban investments have been lost, and the conflict did not seem to be reaching any forseeable conclusion. McKinley assures his listeners that his primary interest is to see peace in Cuba, but that President Grant's policy of neutrality is not the appropiate way to mediate the problem. In fact, he declares that it is America's duty to prevent the atrocities of war so near its borders. He goes on to state four justifications for American intervention in Cuba. The first is the American responsibility to stop the aforementioned atrocities of war. The second is to protect "our citizens in Cuba." The third is to protect America's financial interests in Cuba. The fourth justification is to put an end to a war that has threatened the peace and security of the United States. McKinley describes the seizure of American ships and property. He finishes the speech by implying that a Spanish missile blew up the American Maine and briefly mentions that Spain had agreed to a cease-fire.