Spanish American War

The decision for the United States ' intervention into Latin America was not an easy one for the politicians faced with the task , but garnering popular support for military action seemingly was . Through help of editorial cartoons and yellow journalism , news publishers such as Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst did everything in their power to assure that the United States would engage in war . In two such cartoons designed at criticizing President William McKinley 's efforts to avoid war , the president is portrayed as overly cautious and even buffoonish . In one cartoon

titled , Waiting for the Facts ' McKinley is seen inside his office , standing on a stack of s regarding the situation in Latin America , with a chair beside him with an eagle perched upon it . With a sign behind him that reads Be sure you 're right , then go ahead ' he looks out the window to what can only be the USS Maine , which is engulfed in flames and waves an inflammatory banner above it . It is obvious here that McKinley 's cautious attempts to avoid a war with Spain is being criticized , as the many facts that seem to be all around McKinley he so foolishly ignores . The cartoon also features an inset of his Philadelphia speech which details his desires to stay out of the war . The second cartoon is just as critical of McKinley 's inaction , this time featuring McKinley holding Uncle Sam by the coattails , as the latter attempts to break free and attack . Uncle Sam is seen holding a large sword and a battle-ready demeanor , as a large bird of prey attacks civilian victims , including a woman that looks more like a skeletal corpse than a human . Uncle Sam and McKinley are standing on what appears to be the map outline of the United States separated by water from the victims and the action if one looks very closely , they can see what appears to be the USS Maine listing in the water beneath Uncle Sam . The caption above reads , Let go of him M 'Kinley ' which seems to suggest that McKinley is holding back the righteous might of the United States military and stifling its patriotism and desire to help the oppressed and disadvantaged of the world . Because both of these cartoons deal with the decision to enter into the Spanish-American War , the details contained within each seem to place them early in the year 1898 when yellow journalism and the desire to pursue war were strongest . While these cartoons provided powerful persuasion over the popular opinions of American citizens , it was really the sinking of the USS Maine that finally persuaded President McKinley to take action , not the stories presented by the press or popular opinion

After the Cuban revolt against Spain in 1895 , their policy of burning down sugar plantations , many of which were owned by Americans , caught the attention of many in the United States that wished to preserve its investments . While viewed negatively by most Americans , their views changed...