War Powers - Spanish-American War

As the US economy grew to an international level after the Civil War, the drive of US foreign policy shifted to expansionism. (Irons, 88) Close to our shores and home to much American investment and trade was Cuba, which was rebelling against Spain. Pressure from the business community was felt by Congress, which wanted President Cleveland to declare war on Spain and intervene in Cuba. The executive, for once, was against the war and he said he would refuse to mobilize if Congress declared. (Irons, 90) McKinley came to office in 1897 and was against the war as well until the February 15, 1898 sinking of the Maine in Havana. A report falsely concluded Spain was at fault (false flag??) and the public was firmly on the war wagon.

In a scenario reminiscent of the lead up to our current war, Congress passed the Teller amendment with a large margin, riding the wave of indignation that swamped any rational diplomatic thinking. The idea that this would be an easy victory dominated and kept any objectors silent. The amendment contained the vague hyperbole of American support for democracy and liberation of oppressed people. It stated that the US would leave Cuba after it could govern itself. (Irons, 91)

The true intentions of those who had pushed for the war became apparent with the provisions demanded of the Cuban constitution by the Platt Amendment. It stated the US could "...intervene for the preservation of Cuban Independence" and that Cuba must allow land naval bases. The US did intervene repeatedly, and the phrase "Cuban Independence" was shown to mean the continued profit from US trade and investment in Cuba. (Irons, 93)

The biggest gains to the US empire in this war were in the Pacific. The US navy went to the Philippines, a Spanish colony, and destroyed the Spanish fleet. Spain gave up the Philippines along with Guam and Puerto Rico for 20 million. The Philippines, while having some resources themselves, were more valuable for the access they give to the markets of Asia. The constant expansion of markets for the consumption of American products is the common theme to American foreign policy in the 2oth century and beyond. The intentions of the US business community were served well, and those who had been calling for expansion before the war used the sinking of the Maine as the excuse to set in motion their imperial ambitions. The similarities between this use of a convienent pretext to carry out policies that would otherwise be opposed, and our current War on Terror should be apparent.