The Spanish-American War and President McKinley

This volume is based on an earlier study, The Presidency of William McKinley (Lawrence: Regents Press of Kansas, 1980). Since the Spanish-American War was the decisive event of McKinley's years in the White House, the three chapters on the coming of the conflict, the war itself, and the making of peace formed a natural unit. I have provided an opening chapter, which brings McKinley and his administration to the brink of the diplomatic controversy with Spain, and a concluding chapter, which traces the consequences that followed the ratification of the Peace of Paris. These two chapters also draw freely on material in the book on McKinley's presidency. By concentrating on McKinley and the war, I hope that students and colleagues will be able to examine why this conflict was a turning point in American foreign policy and the evolution of the modem presidency. This book thus attempts to fill the need for a brief, up-to-date analysis of how presidential policy under McKinley shaped American entry into the war, brought the fighting to a successful conclusion, and acquired an empire while achieving peace with Spain. R. Hal Williams, Paul Holbo, and Herbert F. Margulies read and criticized the author's work in their usual cooperative and analytical spirit. Mrs. Bonnie Montgomery typed several drafts with customary good humor and exemplary efficiency. Karen Gould has provided loyal support and cheerful inspiration through several years of work on McKinley and his times.

Lewis L. Gould Austin, Texas April 1982