Question

Write a short letter from your perspective as a member of US Congress, addressed to your constituents. Argue in favor of war with Spain by describing one political, one social, and one economic reason why you are voting yes to declare war on Spain and invade Cuba.

Answer 1

Answer: Since 1866, Cuba and Spain had been locked in a battle for Cuban independence.   With Cuba only 90 miles from Florida’s coast, the United States was constantly monitoring the situation.  Additionally, the Monroe Doctrine, issued in 1823, suggested that the United States would intervene in if they felt threatened.  Finally, US business interests had flourished in Cuba between 1870 and 1898. Fueled by newspaper reporters and politicians, the intense debate of whether or not the United States should invade Cuba came to a pinnacle at the start of the Spanish American War.

Explanation:  Spain had been locked in a battle for Cuban independence.   With Cuba only 90 miles from Florida’s coast, the United States was constantly monitoring the situation.  Additionally, the Monroe Doctrine, issued in 1823, suggested that the United States would intervene in if they felt threatened.  Finally, US business interests had flourished in Cuba between 1870 and 1898. Fueled by newspaper reporters and politicians, the intense debate of whether or not the United States should invade Cuba came to a pinnacle at the start of the Spanish American War.