Posts should include 4-5 sentences interpreting ONE AND ONLY ONE of the following primary sources. Use your chosen source to illustrate a key interpretative point about the chapter. Lastly your initial post should include an interpretive question that your classmates can reply to. Options: • o President William McKinley’s Declaration of War (1898)* o Platform of the American Anti-Imperialist League (1899)*

President William McKinley’s Declaration of War (1898) was a pivotal document that marked the beginning of the Spanish-American War. In this declaration, McKinley outlined the reasons for the United States’ decision to go to war with Spain, primarily focusing on the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor and the subsequent investigations that proved Spanish involvement. The declaration emphasized the United States’ commitment to justice and its responsibility to protect its citizens and national interests. One key interpretive point about this declaration is the role of public opinion in shaping the decision to go to war. McKinley’s declaration was a response to the public outrage and demands for action that were fueled by sensationalist journalism and patriotic fervor. The document also highlights the expansionist aspirations of the United States, as it positions the war not only as a response to the USS Maine incident but also as an opportunity to bring democracy and civilization to the people of Cuba.

The interpretive question for this source is: How did McKinley navigate the complex factors of public opinion, national interests, and expansionist goals in justifying the decision to go to war with Spain?