LAD 18 McKinley War message

In 1895 Cubans waged war with Spain wanting to gain their freedom. Soon after the United States joined the war too after the U.S.S. Maine was sunk by the Spanish. In McKinley's War message he stated that the war between Spain and Cuba was heavily affecting America. The war was affecting Americas economy because it damaged trade between Cuba and America. McKinley believed that the war had been going on for too long and it was time America stepped in, either helping out one side or breaking up the war as a neutral force. He decided to take side with Cuba, so that America could defend itself, its trade, and Cuba too. For America to maintain its freedom and strength in its economy it must go to war against Spain.