by CAROLINE BANASZAK
With Veterans Day upon us and the 2024 presidential campaign underway, it is a good time to look back at some of the pivotal moments in American history. One such moment was the Spanish-American War, a conflict that not only shaped the nation's trajectory but also thrust President William McKinley into the spotlight.
On September 6, 1901, the popular President William McKinley was shot at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, while his Vice President, Theodore Roosevelt, was away on a camping trip. McKinley's assassination shocked the nation and placed Roosevelt in the position of leading the country during a time of turmoil.
With only about a month of training under their belt, the Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry regiment led by Roosevelt, defeated the Spaniards in two major battles of the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt's leadership and the bravery of the Rough Riders played a significant role in the American victory.
On April 21, 1898, Spain broke off diplomatic relations with the United States in a long-simmering dispute over Cuba. The brief war that followed resulted in the United States gaining control over territories such as the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico. President McKinley's decision to order a blockade of Cuba and the subsequent declaration of war by Congress marked a turning point in American foreign policy.
President McKinley's role in the Spanish-American War was not only significant in terms of international relations but also in shaping the political landscape of the United States. At the time of his assassination, McKinley was one of the most beloved presidents, known for his moderate policies and economic prosperity. His untimely death catapulted Theodore Roosevelt, not quite 43 years old, into becoming the youngest president in the nation's history.
When the 117th Congress convened on January 3, 2021, the number of veterans among its members reached a record low. With only 91 veterans serving in Congress, representing more than one-sixth of the total members, the decline in veteran representation raises questions about the connection between military service and political leadership.
The Spanish-American War remains one of the defining moments in American history. President McKinley's decision to order the blockade of Cuba and Congress' subsequent declaration of war had far-reaching implications for the nation's international standing and national security. The conflict also showcased the bravery and valor of the Rough Riders, led by Theodore Roosevelt, who would go on to become one of the most influential presidents in American history.
