William McKinley (January 29, 1843 – September 14, 1901)

On this day in history, April 20, 1898, President William McKinley
asked Congress to declare war on Spain.

The declaration requested by the 25th U.S. president was in
response to an ongoing conflict between Spain and Cuba, the
latter located less 100 miles off the coast of Florida, as that
island country struggled for independence from Spain.

The U.S. Office of the Historian said on April 20, Congress
passed a joint resolution that acknowledged Cuban
independence.

Congress also authorized McKinley to use whatever military
measures he deemed necessary to guarantee Cuba’s
independence, the U.S. Office of the Historian noted.