Comment: Teddy Roosevelt, Asst. Secretary of Navy, 1898. Liberate Cuba!

Spanish / American War! Fought in Cuba & Philippines.

US claimed to be fighting the war not for selfish gain, but to liberate an oppressed people and promote justice in the world.

US Goes to War: Ride along w/ Teddy, 1898!

Summary: After the explosion of the USS Maine, the US public was whipped up into an anti-Spanish hysteria. Despite Spain's desire to avoid war and President William McKinley's distaste for war, the yellow press continued feeding the public's appetite for anti-Spanish news. Hawks like then-Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt loudly criticized the reluctant McKinley for being weak and afraid.

Although he disagreed with the public's demands for war, McKinley finally submitted to the various pressure exerted on him. The Maine had exploded in Mid-February, and on April 11, 1898, McKinley finally sent a message to Congress giving his support for a declaration of war on Spain. Congress, which now had the President's word that he would not block a war with Spain as Cleveland had threatened to do, was ecstatic. On April 24, 1898 Spain declared war on the US. The next day, on April 25, the US declared war on Spain. The US public was exuberant, and the people celebrated as the country cheerfully went to war.

In order to prove the righteousness of the US cause, Congress decided to send a message to the European powers, many of whom believed the American war against Spain to be an imperialistic land-grab, an effort to assume control of Cuba from Spain. Congress passed the Teller Amendment in May 1898, in which the US promised not to annex Cuba, but to liberate it as an independent state. Thus, the US claimed to be fighting the war not for selfish gain, but to liberate an oppressed people and promote justice in the world.

Note, M.T.:Teddy Roosevelt, Asst. Secretary of Navy, 1898. Off to liberate Cuba! He brought his own photographer & historian to record his epic ride up the hill. Had to walk the last few hundred yards... His horse was tuckered out.