Question

What was President William McKinley's position

on a possible war with Spain in early 1898?
a

Answer 1

McKinley originally wanted to avoid an armed battle with Spain at first, but the American press, backed by newspaper mogul Randolph Hearst, mocked him and stoked public support for a war to grant Cuban freedom. This eventually led to President William McKinley asking Congress to declare war on Spain on April 20, 1898.