Abstract

This cultural study analyzes the influence of 27 private letters written by citizens to President William McKinley about his decision to delay war against Spain in 1898. The surviving letters analyzed are dated after the Maine exploded and advised the President against war. This study suggests that McKinley’s decision to delay war is related to dignified and elitist attitudes held by Americans in 1898. Most of the private letters written to McKinley supported his policy of a peaceful resolution between America and Spain about the Spanish-Cuban dilemma.