Who was President of the United States during the Spanish-American War?

The President of the United States during the Spanish-American War was William McKinley, who served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. The war, which took place in 1898, was a significant conflict that resulted in the U.S. emerging as a colonial power with territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. McKinley's administration was pivotal in decision-making leading to the war, primarily due to the impact of yellow journalism, the sinking of the USS Maine, and public pressure advocating for U.S. intervention in Cuba.

The period leading up to the war saw increased tensions between the United States and Spain, as Americans sympathized with Cuban rebels fighting for independence. McKinley initially sought diplomatic solutions and tried to avoid war, but ultimately, he recognized the overwhelming public support for military action against Spain. This culminated in the declaration of war in April 1898, followed shortly by victorious military campaigns that would reshape U.S. foreign policy and establish its presence on the global stage.

The other presidents listed had no direct involvement with the Spanish-American War; Theodore Roosevelt was McKinley's Vice President and became President after McKinley's assassination, Woodrow Wilson's presidency followed McKinley and handled World War