Question

Which of the following was *NOT* one of the central goals of William McKinley's Cuba policy?

a. McKinley wanted to make Cuba a part of the United States

b. McKinley wanted order restored on the island of Cuba

c. McKinley wanted the US to mediate the Spanish-Cuban crisis if the Spanish government couldnt settle it

d. McKinley wanted Spain to implement reforms that would improve living conditions for Cubans.

Answer 1

The 25^th president of USA was William McKinley. He was the last president during American Civil War. Cuba was under the rule of Spain for decades. For attaining freedom for Cuba, Spanish–American war had started. William McKinley was the leader. In order to develop the industry of USA, he increased tariff rates for gold standard by ignoring silver. This made him to attain freedom for Cuba.  

Let us assess the options:-

a. McKinley wanted to make Cuba a part of the United States

During the war of Cuba, America possess Cuba temporarily. But, William McKinley did not gave back the control of Cuba when he was ruling. So, it was sure that he need to make Cuba a part of the United States. He argued that Cuba needs protection and thus, he keeps the control over Cuba under America. When war ends, McKinley possessed Guam and Puerto Rico permanently.

Hence, option (a) is a central goal of Cuba Policy of McKinley.

b. McKinley wanted order restored on the island of Cuba

US got success very fast. Overseas colonies of Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines was given to USA by the Spain on behalf of the peace agreement. By this agreement, Cuba got freedom. But islands of Cuba were restored by America.

Hence, option (b) is a central goal of Cuba Policy of McKinley.

c. McKinley wanted the US to mediate the Spanish-Cuban crisis if the Spanish government couldn't settle it

McKinley strongly wants to make a mediation with Spain with the crisis. He just need freedom of Cuba and to make it part of USA. However, Spain was not at all ready for that. They decided to fight till end.

Hence, option (c) is a central goal of Cuba Policy of McKinley.

d. McKinley wanted Spain to implement reforms that would improve living conditions for Cubans.

No, McKinley never ever wanted a reform by Spain for the sake of Cuba. They want Cuba to be their portion and Spain to give freedom to Cuba and go back from the country.

Hence, option (d) is not a central goal of Cuba Policy of McKinley.