Documenting United States History

There is no hope of peace through the Spanish arms. The Spanish government

seems unable to conquer the insurgents. More than half of the island is under

control of the insurgents. For more than three years our people have been patient

and forbearing; we have patrolled our coast with zeal and at great expense, and

have successfully prevented the landing of any armed force on the island. The war

has disturbed the peace and tranquility of our people.

We do not want the island. The President has evidenced in every way his desire

to preserve and continue friendly relations with Spain. He has kept every interna-

tional obligation with fidelity. He wants an honorable peace. He has repeatedly

urged the government of Spain to secure a peace. She still has the opportunity

to do it, and the President appeals to her from every consideration of justice and

humanity to do it. Will she? Peace is the desired end.

For your own guidance, the President suggests that if Spain will revoke the

reconcentration order and maintain the people until they can support themselves,

and offer the Cubans full self-government with reasonable indemnity, the Pres-

ident will gladly assist in its consummation. If Spain should invite the United

States to mediate for peace and the insurgents would make like request, the Presi-

dent might undertake such office of friendship.

French Ensor Chadwick, The Relations of the United States and Spain: Diplomacy (New York:

Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1909), 557–558.

p raCTICINg historical Thinking

Identify: According to the cable, what conditions must Spain meet prior to US

involvement in Cuban affairs?

Analyze: Why, according to this official US communication, does McKinley avoid

acting unilaterally without Spanish involvement?

Evaluate: Determine the political and economic advantages to the United States

of influence over Cuban affairs.

Document 18.3 Platform of the american anti-imperialist

League

1899

Anti-Imperialist League members like Jane Addams and Mark Twain protested the United

States’ control of “protectorates” like the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam after the

Spanish-American War (1898).

We hold that the policy known as imperialism is hostile to liberty and tends to-

wards militarism, an evil from which it has been our glory to be free. We regret

that it has become necessary in the land of Washington and Lincoln to reaffirm

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