William Mckinley Inaugural Address Analysis

William McKinley, in his first inaugural address on March 4, 1897, explicitly stated that according to the principle foundation of the U.S. government, it is his duty to keep peaceful relations with foreign countries. Directly adopting George Washington’s advice in his farewell address of 1792, McKinley states, “ It will be our aim to pursue a firm and dignified foreign policy, which shall be just, impartial, ever watchful of our national honor..”.1 Essentially, McKinley entered office with the belief that it is only best to have a resolute foreign policy that does not allow the U.S. to get too entangled while at the same time permits U.S. to “preserve national honor”. However, towards the end of his address, McKinley also clarifies, “ War should not be entered upon until every agency of
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"Historical Thinking Matters: Spanish­American War." Historical Thinking Matters: Spanish­American War.
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to such “ barbarities, bloodshed.” Also, when witnessing such appalling crimes, the U.S. sympathized the Cubans because they were fighting for independence just like the U.S. did back in 1765. Not only is it morally right to do so, but “ the right to intervene may be justified by the very serious injury to the commerce trade and business of our people”.6
According to Albert J. Beveridge’s campaign speech, “ In Cuba..there are millions of acres yet unexplored..it means new employment and better wages..”.7 It was essential to protect American interests and economic prosperity. In order to do so, it was a widely held belief that intervention in Cuba was a necessity to protect these very interests. The third widely held impression was that Americans were producing increasing surplus of manufactured goods which was detrimental to their economy. Furthermore, according to
John W, Foster, the former Secretary of State at the time, “ It has become a necessity