McKinley originally sent a message to Spain begging that they cease war with Cuba. The American Ambassador in Spain replied with a message that Spain had accepted this. However, this did not last long, and the United States ended up plunging into the war on the side of the Cubans. Addressing Congress, McKinley said that the conflicts between Cuba and Spain had caused the US great annoyance and effort. Their trade and investments in Cuba had been lost as well. He recalled a previous address that he had made, and said that he understands now that a proclamation of neutrality in all worldly affairs may not be always the best choice. He asked to propose a "rational compromise" to both sides, then said that United States intervention on no particular side would be justified. He summarized the grounds of intervention in four points: First, to end war for the sake of humanity, and that it is, in fact, our business because it is our neighbors. Second, we owe it to Cuban citizens to grant them the freedoms enjoyed in America. Third, the halt of commerce, trade, and business is harmful to both the US and the people of Cuba. Fourth, conflict in Cuba directly affects US peace and is a threat to the protection of American citizens. He gave an example of this by reflecting on the tragedy of the battleship Maine in the Port of Havana. He concludes by saying that this conflict cannot be solved through present methods, and he asks Congress to authorize the President to take measures to stop the hostilities between Spain and Cuba.
The Cuban Missile Crisis is similar to McKinleys War Message because the United States was affected by the activities of Cuba, its close neighbor. However, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the US and Cuba were distinctly against each other.
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