Post by djxkorean on Aug 3, 2009 17:03:44 GMT -8
25th President William McKinley (1897-1901)
My KIN(McKinley) all have identical NaVals(25), which we PoKe(97) whenever we take the SAT(01).
I. Election
. . A. Republican: nominates William McKinley for presidency
. . . . 1. Republican platform: advocated gold standard, protective tariff, and control of Hawaiian Islands
. . . . 2. Marcus Hanna (wealthy merchant, industrialist, financier) drops business interests to groom McKinley for presidency
. . B. Democrats: nominates William Jennings Bryan
. . . . 1. Democratic Party in sorry state: blamed for Panic of 1893, Republicans in control House and Senate; Cleveland offended several blocs of voters
. . . . . . a. Alienated labor by support of injunction against Debs; repeal of Sherman Silver Purchase Act offended cheap-money advocates
. . . . . . b. Divided party over battles for revenue tariff
. . . . 2. Democratic Convention: William Jennings Bryan makes rousing speech in favor of free silver
. . . . . . a. Bryan organized supporters before convention and confident he would win convention
. . . . . . b. Bryan called “Boy Orator of the Platte”; “gold standard” Democrats withdrew from convention
. . C. Big Business won over the agrarian interests: Bryan had made fight in support for common people, but his fight was unsound economic doctrine
. . . . 1. Bryan destined to devote life to unfortunate causes: devotion to the “little man” gave him title as “The Great Commoner”
II. Reelection
. . A. Easy victory for Republicans: Properity returned early in McKinley’s first term
. . . . 1. Klondike gold rush (began 1896, peak in 1900): took life out of demand for free coinage of silver
. . . . 2. Theodore Roosevelt induced to accept nomination as V.P. as popular figure: attract support to ticket
. . B. Republican platform: continuation of protective tariff, gold standard, and Isthmian canal under US control across Panama
. . . . 1. Main issue of campaign: Republicans take credit for US prosperity
. . C. Democrats: nominate William Jennings Bryan – hammers at anti-imperialism (would lose because Spanish-American War had been popular victory)
III. Spanish American War
. . A. Formal Declaration: April 25, 1898; Peace through ratification of Treaty of Paris: Feb 6, 1899
. . B. Fighting began at Manila Bay, Philippines on May 1, and ended with surrender of Santiago, Cuba on July 17th.
. . C. Past Experiences
. . . . 1. US shown interest in Cuba throughout US history: Spanish rule was usually cruel and inefficient; Late 1890s saw widespread rebellion
. . . . . . a. Cuban sugar crop very important to the United States; US investments more extensive, and US Navy new and 2nd in world
. . . . . . . . i. US gov’t and public interests now world-wide, and not limited to only national
. . . . 2. Early in 1896, General “Butcher” Weyler est. concentration camps; atrocities published to the public
. . . . . . a. Change in Spanish ministry (Nov 1897): recall of “Butcher” Weyler, local autonomy for Cuba, and release of US citizens from Cuban jails
. . . . . . b. Although rebels not happy, McKinley gives Spain reasonable time to carry out its new policy (trying to avoid war)
. . D. The War: Feb. 15, 1898 – explosion in Havana harbor kills 260 men on American battleship “Maine”
. . . . 1. Newspapers have a field day: public demands war = McKinley allows himself to be swept by hysteria of the moment
. . . . 2. March 27, 1898: US has no territorial ambitions in Cuba
. . . . . . a. US desires armistice between rebels and Spanish forces in Cuba and discontinue concentration camps
. . . . . . b. April 10: both conditions accepted by Spain; McKinley had already changed his antiwar policy and decides to go to War
. . . . 3. Congress response to war message with 4 main points
. . . . . . a. US recognizes Cuban independence
. . . . . . b. Spain must withdraw armed forces from Cuba
. . . . . . c. US President use whatever armed force necessary to carry out 1st two resolutions
. . . . . . d. US doesn’t intend to annex Cuba and will leave gov’t to its own people (Teller Resolution)
. . E. Navy’s part in the War
. . . . 1. 3 months before Congress sends declaration of war, Theodore Roosevelt (Assistant Secretary of Navy) sends order to Commodore Dewey
. . . . . . a. “be ready for an attack on the Philippines” – Dewey’s steam into Manila Bay early in May 1 and open fire on Spanish squadron of 10 ships
. . . . . . b. No damage suffered by American ships and occupied Manila Bay
. . . . 2. By June 1, Commodore Schley and Rear Admiral Sampson had squadron blocking Santiago harbor; destroy Spanish ships trying to escape (July 3)
. . . . 3. US Navy: modern, well-built, well trained = thoroughly prepared and effectively officered (opposite of Spanish ships_
. . F. Army’s Part in the War
. . . . 1. McKinley called for 200,000 volunteers: didn’t have uniforms or modern rifles for volunteer soldiers
. . . . . . a. Extremely under-trained, poorly organized, inexperienced, and had unsanitary encampments and food
. . . . . . . . i. Contaminated meat more effective enemy than the Spanish
. . . . 2. Battle of San Juan Hill: severe encounters with many American casualties
. . . . . . a. Theodore Roosevelt resigned as Assistant Secretary of Navy and served as Lieutenant Colonel of Rough Riders
. . . . . . b. Rough Riders play important role in charge up San Juan Hill: boosts Roosevelt’s public career
. . . . 3. Naval victory over Spain and victories at El Caney and San Juan Hill + surrender of city of Santiago = Spain asks for peace terms (July 26)
. . . . . . a. Short war full of victories for US at minor costs
. . G. End: Treaty of Paris (Accepted by Spain Dec. 10, 1898) (Ratified by Senate Feb 6, 1899)
. . . . 1. Concessions
. . . . . . a. Spain gives up all claims to Cuba
. . . . . . b. US buys Philippines for $20 million
. . . . . . c. Spain ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States
. . . . 2. Not easy to get Senate to ratify treaty: reflected anti-imperialist views by many who disliked US acquiring distant lands
. . . . . . a. Spain out of Cuba fine, but acquiring Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam is another question
. . . . 3. Few spokesmen give “Superior race” speech
. . . . . . a. others argue defend empire building on basis that US needs Pacific Ocean outposts to develop trade with Far East
. . . . . . b. “Manifest Destiny” of the US to acquire all this foreign land and rule over it as a WASP
. . . . 4. US not really comfortable with foray into imperialism and plans to lead subject people toward self-gov’t
IV. Governing New Possessions
. . A. The Philippines
. . . . 1. Commodore Dewey promises Emilio Aguinaldo (Filipino insurrectionist leader in exile) to go to Philippines to lead Filipinos against Spanish
. . . . . . a. Dewey promises to supply necessary arms and promise that Philippines given to Filipinos under Aguinaldo’s leadership as soon as Spanish out
. . . . . . b. Neither Dewey nor US minister to Singapore had authority to make such an arrangements
. . . . 2. Because US expels Spain from Cuba and turns island to native rule, Filipinos expect pretty much the same treatment
. . . . . . a. Once US takes Spain’s position as master of Philippines, Aguinaldo takes to guerilla warfare to drive US out (Feb 1899 – April 1902)
. . . . 3. April 1900: William H. Taft appoints 5 commissioners to set up civilian gov’t at Manila
. . . . . . a. July 1902: Congress provides native assembly to act w/ Governor-General Taft and 5 member commission
. . . . . . b. By 1907: native assembly elected with Taft’s commission serving as upper house
. . . . . . c. 1916: Jones Act allows all male adults votes if they could read and write in English, Spanish, or native dialect
. . . . . . . . i. Governor-General still appointed buy President of US and has veto power over acts of native legislature
. . . . . . d. 1934: Tydings-McDuffie Act – native legislature draws up constitution (President FDR approves)
. . . . . . . . i. 1st president of Philippine Commonwealth: Manuel Quezon elected (1935)
. . . . 4. July 4, 1946 (after WWII delays): Manual Roxas becomes 1st President of new Philippine Republic
. . . . . . a. US grants $600 million to help restore WWII damages and 8 yr guarantee of free trade with US to steady economy
. . B. Puerto Rico
. . . . 1. followed similar steps toward self-gov’t as Philippines
. . . . . . a. Foraker Act of 1900: set up Governor-General and council appointed by President of US; native assembly elected with council as senate
. . . . 2. By 1917, Puerto Rico became a territory and people became citizens of the US
. . . . 3. 1952: people of Puerto Rico drafted constitution (approved by President Truman)
. . . . . . a. gave island status of free commonwealth voluntarily associated with US
. . C. Cuba
. . . . 1. True to Teller Resolution, Cuba granted independence
. . . . . . a. Nov 1900: General Leonard Wood arranged convention where constitution for Cuba drawn up (similar to US)
. . . . . . b. March 1901: US Congress makes certain additions as unamendable part of constitution (Cubans accept) – Platt Amendment
. . . . . . . . i. Cuba shall make no treaty to endanger its independence
. . . . . . . . ii. Cuba shall borrow no money beyond its capacity to repay
. . . . . . . . iii. US may intervene in Cuba when necessary to preserve order
. . . . . . . . iv. Cuba will sell/lease coaling and naval stations to US
. . . . . . c. 1934: Platt Amendment abolished by treaty except for naval base in Guantanamo
. . D. Insular Cases
. . . . 1. 1901 cases involving Puerto Rico and Philippines came before Supreme Court
. . . . . . a. several important questions: Where people in territories entitled to right guaranteed by Constitutions to citizens of US?
. . . . . . b. Could tariff be levied on goods coming from these possessions into US
. . . . . . c. Were Puerto Rico and Philippines part of US? Is child born on islands after US took position become US citizens?
. . . . 2. Most questions under basic question: Does Constitution follow one flag?
. . . . . . a. Supreme Court: tosses the questions into Congress’s lap, stating it was Congress’s job to decide
. . . . 3. Insular Cases: court agreed that new territories are under almost complete control of Congress rather than having same rights under Constitution
V. Open Door Policy
. . A. Caleb Cushing had gained US right of extraterritoriality in China as early as 1844
. . . . 1. Trade with China had lagged; throughout time period, US ships traded in Chinese ports under same terms as ships of other nations
. . . . 2. But in 1890s, China carved into sphere of influence by European powers
. . . . . . a. US interest in China high with acquisition of Philippines and wanted to open China up
. . B. Secretary of State, John Hay, wrote in Sept. 1899 to several nations w/ sphere of influence in China
. . . . 1. Areas recently acquired were open to trade of all nations on equal terms; ports and railroads available to all; tariffs collected by Chinese gov’t
. . . . 2. All nations (minus Russia) reply: willing to comply if all other nations do the same
. . . . 3. March 1900: Secretary Hay informs nations of common willingness for equal trading rights for all nations w/in respective spheres of influence
. . C. John Hay had won over European nations and Japan to acceptance of Open Door Police
VI. Boxer Rebellion
. . A. 1900: serious trouble developed in Peking Area: Chinese nationalist organization, (Boxers) try to drive out foreigners from China
. . . . 1. Missionaries and foreign traders murdered; dowager empress secretly aided the Boxers
. . B. Int’l Force attack China and attack on Peking lasts 7 wks
. . . . 1. John Hay firmly opposes seizing any more of China’s territory
. . . . . . a. Made clear that US interested in restoring order in Peking; other nations also give up portioning of China
. . . . 2. Hay expressed US desire to develop trade w/in Far East on favorable terms of other nations and reflected US opposition to China partitioning
. . . . 3. Final settlement for Boxer Rebellion: indemnity against China ($333 million) with US getting $24 million
. . . . . . a. US thinks its excessive so we return half of $24 million: Chinese gov’t sets aside to finance Chinese students in American colleges
VII. McKinley Assassinated by Czolgosz
. . A. Sept 6, 1901: President McKinley shot by Leon Czolgosz (US citizen) at Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York
. . . . 1. Czolgosz: anarchist who thought he had mission to kill “Czar McKinley”
. . B. McKinley dies 8 days later; Theodore Roosevelt in charge
Commentary: It is a shame that William McKinley died (although Theodore Roosevelt is my favorite President) because he was President during the pinnacle of his career. Both national and foreign problems were largely subsided and the American public most definitely had the thought of “most powerful nation in the world” at the top of their minds. McKinley’s presidency is most definitely impressive, especially the handling of the Spanish American War (although not necessarily the part where McKinley is swept by public demands). A quick and decisive victory when the country was feeling alienated under Cleveland was exactly what the nation needed, which brings me back to my previous statement that United States is built on the successes of the wars it has fought.
One thing I find most interesting is the anti-imperialism sentiment that was present within the Senate. I would have assumed, with the Senate most likely White Anglo-Saxon Protestants, that there would have been a clear majority in support of expanding the nation and demonstrating the dominance of the WASPs over other cultures. To see that the Treaty of Paris barely passed is something quite remarkable and, in my opinion, is a form of politics that is both rational and moral at the same time.
My KIN(McKinley) all have identical NaVals(25), which we PoKe(97) whenever we take the SAT(01).
I. Election
. . A. Republican: nominates William McKinley for presidency
. . . . 1. Republican platform: advocated gold standard, protective tariff, and control of Hawaiian Islands
. . . . 2. Marcus Hanna (wealthy merchant, industrialist, financier) drops business interests to groom McKinley for presidency
. . B. Democrats: nominates William Jennings Bryan
. . . . 1. Democratic Party in sorry state: blamed for Panic of 1893, Republicans in control House and Senate; Cleveland offended several blocs of voters
. . . . . . a. Alienated labor by support of injunction against Debs; repeal of Sherman Silver Purchase Act offended cheap-money advocates
. . . . . . b. Divided party over battles for revenue tariff
. . . . 2. Democratic Convention: William Jennings Bryan makes rousing speech in favor of free silver
. . . . . . a. Bryan organized supporters before convention and confident he would win convention
. . . . . . b. Bryan called “Boy Orator of the Platte”; “gold standard” Democrats withdrew from convention
. . C. Big Business won over the agrarian interests: Bryan had made fight in support for common people, but his fight was unsound economic doctrine
. . . . 1. Bryan destined to devote life to unfortunate causes: devotion to the “little man” gave him title as “The Great Commoner”
II. Reelection
. . A. Easy victory for Republicans: Properity returned early in McKinley’s first term
. . . . 1. Klondike gold rush (began 1896, peak in 1900): took life out of demand for free coinage of silver
. . . . 2. Theodore Roosevelt induced to accept nomination as V.P. as popular figure: attract support to ticket
. . B. Republican platform: continuation of protective tariff, gold standard, and Isthmian canal under US control across Panama
. . . . 1. Main issue of campaign: Republicans take credit for US prosperity
. . C. Democrats: nominate William Jennings Bryan – hammers at anti-imperialism (would lose because Spanish-American War had been popular victory)
III. Spanish American War
. . A. Formal Declaration: April 25, 1898; Peace through ratification of Treaty of Paris: Feb 6, 1899
. . B. Fighting began at Manila Bay, Philippines on May 1, and ended with surrender of Santiago, Cuba on July 17th.
. . C. Past Experiences
. . . . 1. US shown interest in Cuba throughout US history: Spanish rule was usually cruel and inefficient; Late 1890s saw widespread rebellion
. . . . . . a. Cuban sugar crop very important to the United States; US investments more extensive, and US Navy new and 2nd in world
. . . . . . . . i. US gov’t and public interests now world-wide, and not limited to only national
. . . . 2. Early in 1896, General “Butcher” Weyler est. concentration camps; atrocities published to the public
. . . . . . a. Change in Spanish ministry (Nov 1897): recall of “Butcher” Weyler, local autonomy for Cuba, and release of US citizens from Cuban jails
. . . . . . b. Although rebels not happy, McKinley gives Spain reasonable time to carry out its new policy (trying to avoid war)
. . D. The War: Feb. 15, 1898 – explosion in Havana harbor kills 260 men on American battleship “Maine”
. . . . 1. Newspapers have a field day: public demands war = McKinley allows himself to be swept by hysteria of the moment
. . . . 2. March 27, 1898: US has no territorial ambitions in Cuba
. . . . . . a. US desires armistice between rebels and Spanish forces in Cuba and discontinue concentration camps
. . . . . . b. April 10: both conditions accepted by Spain; McKinley had already changed his antiwar policy and decides to go to War
. . . . 3. Congress response to war message with 4 main points
. . . . . . a. US recognizes Cuban independence
. . . . . . b. Spain must withdraw armed forces from Cuba
. . . . . . c. US President use whatever armed force necessary to carry out 1st two resolutions
. . . . . . d. US doesn’t intend to annex Cuba and will leave gov’t to its own people (Teller Resolution)
. . E. Navy’s part in the War
. . . . 1. 3 months before Congress sends declaration of war, Theodore Roosevelt (Assistant Secretary of Navy) sends order to Commodore Dewey
. . . . . . a. “be ready for an attack on the Philippines” – Dewey’s steam into Manila Bay early in May 1 and open fire on Spanish squadron of 10 ships
. . . . . . b. No damage suffered by American ships and occupied Manila Bay
. . . . 2. By June 1, Commodore Schley and Rear Admiral Sampson had squadron blocking Santiago harbor; destroy Spanish ships trying to escape (July 3)
. . . . 3. US Navy: modern, well-built, well trained = thoroughly prepared and effectively officered (opposite of Spanish ships_
. . F. Army’s Part in the War
. . . . 1. McKinley called for 200,000 volunteers: didn’t have uniforms or modern rifles for volunteer soldiers
. . . . . . a. Extremely under-trained, poorly organized, inexperienced, and had unsanitary encampments and food
. . . . . . . . i. Contaminated meat more effective enemy than the Spanish
. . . . 2. Battle of San Juan Hill: severe encounters with many American casualties
. . . . . . a. Theodore Roosevelt resigned as Assistant Secretary of Navy and served as Lieutenant Colonel of Rough Riders
. . . . . . b. Rough Riders play important role in charge up San Juan Hill: boosts Roosevelt’s public career
. . . . 3. Naval victory over Spain and victories at El Caney and San Juan Hill + surrender of city of Santiago = Spain asks for peace terms (July 26)
. . . . . . a. Short war full of victories for US at minor costs
. . G. End: Treaty of Paris (Accepted by Spain Dec. 10, 1898) (Ratified by Senate Feb 6, 1899)
. . . . 1. Concessions
. . . . . . a. Spain gives up all claims to Cuba
. . . . . . b. US buys Philippines for $20 million
. . . . . . c. Spain ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States
. . . . 2. Not easy to get Senate to ratify treaty: reflected anti-imperialist views by many who disliked US acquiring distant lands
. . . . . . a. Spain out of Cuba fine, but acquiring Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam is another question
. . . . 3. Few spokesmen give “Superior race” speech
. . . . . . a. others argue defend empire building on basis that US needs Pacific Ocean outposts to develop trade with Far East
. . . . . . b. “Manifest Destiny” of the US to acquire all this foreign land and rule over it as a WASP
. . . . 4. US not really comfortable with foray into imperialism and plans to lead subject people toward self-gov’t
IV. Governing New Possessions
. . A. The Philippines
. . . . 1. Commodore Dewey promises Emilio Aguinaldo (Filipino insurrectionist leader in exile) to go to Philippines to lead Filipinos against Spanish
. . . . . . a. Dewey promises to supply necessary arms and promise that Philippines given to Filipinos under Aguinaldo’s leadership as soon as Spanish out
. . . . . . b. Neither Dewey nor US minister to Singapore had authority to make such an arrangements
. . . . 2. Because US expels Spain from Cuba and turns island to native rule, Filipinos expect pretty much the same treatment
. . . . . . a. Once US takes Spain’s position as master of Philippines, Aguinaldo takes to guerilla warfare to drive US out (Feb 1899 – April 1902)
. . . . 3. April 1900: William H. Taft appoints 5 commissioners to set up civilian gov’t at Manila
. . . . . . a. July 1902: Congress provides native assembly to act w/ Governor-General Taft and 5 member commission
. . . . . . b. By 1907: native assembly elected with Taft’s commission serving as upper house
. . . . . . c. 1916: Jones Act allows all male adults votes if they could read and write in English, Spanish, or native dialect
. . . . . . . . i. Governor-General still appointed buy President of US and has veto power over acts of native legislature
. . . . . . d. 1934: Tydings-McDuffie Act – native legislature draws up constitution (President FDR approves)
. . . . . . . . i. 1st president of Philippine Commonwealth: Manuel Quezon elected (1935)
. . . . 4. July 4, 1946 (after WWII delays): Manual Roxas becomes 1st President of new Philippine Republic
. . . . . . a. US grants $600 million to help restore WWII damages and 8 yr guarantee of free trade with US to steady economy
. . B. Puerto Rico
. . . . 1. followed similar steps toward self-gov’t as Philippines
. . . . . . a. Foraker Act of 1900: set up Governor-General and council appointed by President of US; native assembly elected with council as senate
. . . . 2. By 1917, Puerto Rico became a territory and people became citizens of the US
. . . . 3. 1952: people of Puerto Rico drafted constitution (approved by President Truman)
. . . . . . a. gave island status of free commonwealth voluntarily associated with US
. . C. Cuba
. . . . 1. True to Teller Resolution, Cuba granted independence
. . . . . . a. Nov 1900: General Leonard Wood arranged convention where constitution for Cuba drawn up (similar to US)
. . . . . . b. March 1901: US Congress makes certain additions as unamendable part of constitution (Cubans accept) – Platt Amendment
. . . . . . . . i. Cuba shall make no treaty to endanger its independence
. . . . . . . . ii. Cuba shall borrow no money beyond its capacity to repay
. . . . . . . . iii. US may intervene in Cuba when necessary to preserve order
. . . . . . . . iv. Cuba will sell/lease coaling and naval stations to US
. . . . . . c. 1934: Platt Amendment abolished by treaty except for naval base in Guantanamo
. . D. Insular Cases
. . . . 1. 1901 cases involving Puerto Rico and Philippines came before Supreme Court
. . . . . . a. several important questions: Where people in territories entitled to right guaranteed by Constitutions to citizens of US?
. . . . . . b. Could tariff be levied on goods coming from these possessions into US
. . . . . . c. Were Puerto Rico and Philippines part of US? Is child born on islands after US took position become US citizens?
. . . . 2. Most questions under basic question: Does Constitution follow one flag?
. . . . . . a. Supreme Court: tosses the questions into Congress’s lap, stating it was Congress’s job to decide
. . . . 3. Insular Cases: court agreed that new territories are under almost complete control of Congress rather than having same rights under Constitution
V. Open Door Policy
. . A. Caleb Cushing had gained US right of extraterritoriality in China as early as 1844
. . . . 1. Trade with China had lagged; throughout time period, US ships traded in Chinese ports under same terms as ships of other nations
. . . . 2. But in 1890s, China carved into sphere of influence by European powers
. . . . . . a. US interest in China high with acquisition of Philippines and wanted to open China up
. . B. Secretary of State, John Hay, wrote in Sept. 1899 to several nations w/ sphere of influence in China
. . . . 1. Areas recently acquired were open to trade of all nations on equal terms; ports and railroads available to all; tariffs collected by Chinese gov’t
. . . . 2. All nations (minus Russia) reply: willing to comply if all other nations do the same
. . . . 3. March 1900: Secretary Hay informs nations of common willingness for equal trading rights for all nations w/in respective spheres of influence
. . C. John Hay had won over European nations and Japan to acceptance of Open Door Police
VI. Boxer Rebellion
. . A. 1900: serious trouble developed in Peking Area: Chinese nationalist organization, (Boxers) try to drive out foreigners from China
. . . . 1. Missionaries and foreign traders murdered; dowager empress secretly aided the Boxers
. . B. Int’l Force attack China and attack on Peking lasts 7 wks
. . . . 1. John Hay firmly opposes seizing any more of China’s territory
. . . . . . a. Made clear that US interested in restoring order in Peking; other nations also give up portioning of China
. . . . 2. Hay expressed US desire to develop trade w/in Far East on favorable terms of other nations and reflected US opposition to China partitioning
. . . . 3. Final settlement for Boxer Rebellion: indemnity against China ($333 million) with US getting $24 million
. . . . . . a. US thinks its excessive so we return half of $24 million: Chinese gov’t sets aside to finance Chinese students in American colleges
VII. McKinley Assassinated by Czolgosz
. . A. Sept 6, 1901: President McKinley shot by Leon Czolgosz (US citizen) at Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York
. . . . 1. Czolgosz: anarchist who thought he had mission to kill “Czar McKinley”
. . B. McKinley dies 8 days later; Theodore Roosevelt in charge
Commentary: It is a shame that William McKinley died (although Theodore Roosevelt is my favorite President) because he was President during the pinnacle of his career. Both national and foreign problems were largely subsided and the American public most definitely had the thought of “most powerful nation in the world” at the top of their minds. McKinley’s presidency is most definitely impressive, especially the handling of the Spanish American War (although not necessarily the part where McKinley is swept by public demands). A quick and decisive victory when the country was feeling alienated under Cleveland was exactly what the nation needed, which brings me back to my previous statement that United States is built on the successes of the wars it has fought.
One thing I find most interesting is the anti-imperialism sentiment that was present within the Senate. I would have assumed, with the Senate most likely White Anglo-Saxon Protestants, that there would have been a clear majority in support of expanding the nation and demonstrating the dominance of the WASPs over other cultures. To see that the Treaty of Paris barely passed is something quite remarkable and, in my opinion, is a form of politics that is both rational and moral at the same time.