But, it took the inexplicable explosion of the USS Maine alongside with overwhelming public pressure to shove a cautious McKinley behind the war with Spain. Though promoted by yellow journalism, this could be seen as an act of humanitarianism. On the grounds that the United States was aiding a small feeble nation to their God given Independence. But, this was no act of kindness or any kind of attempt to refurbish peace. The Spanish-American war was fueled by $50 million invested in Cuba and an annual $100 million in trade. The United States was protecting their COMMERCIAL interests, not fighting for Cuban freedom. .
Once the war in Cuba was over the United States reaped the benefits, receiving Puerto Rico and Guantanamo Bay. In May of 1895 Henry Cabot Lodge, in his article "Our Blundering Forging Policy" pointed out the fact the Britain had dominated the West Indies and the only way he felt the US could surmount that obstacle was to secure a strong naval base in Cuba. That's exactly the purpose Guantanamo Bay served (Doc B.) The US also made Cuba a protectorate, proving the Teller Amendment false or no less than half true. The US was going to give Cuba their independence, just not right away. And when they did the US and Cuba signed the Platt Amendment. This prohibited treaties or debt with foreign nations, and the US had sole right to intervene in any way at any time. This wasn't done in the best interest of the Cubans, but in favor of protecting American commercialism. .
The United States now had to determine what to do with the Philippines. The islands, not only were rich in sugar, but also provided a way to Asia. By controlling them trade with China would thrive. Even with Rudyard Kipling urging a tentative McKinley to take up the "white mans burden" it took divine intervention to finally coax him into a final decision. In November of 1899 President McKinley voiced his decision and declared .