A correspondence penned by the Spanish Minister to the United States, addressed to Jos Canalejas, a friend in Cuba, constituted a critical event preceding the Spanish-American War. The contents conveyed a disparaging assessment of President William McKinley and his policies. Specifically, it characterized McKinley as weak and primarily concerned with public approval, rather than demonstrating strong leadership. This private communication, intercepted and subsequently published in the American press, ignited public outrage.
The significance of this diplomatic communication lies in its contribution to the escalating tensions between the United States and Spain. The derogatory remarks about the American president, published for mass consumption, fueled pro-war sentiment among the American populace. It damaged diplomatic relations severely and served as a propaganda tool for those advocating intervention in Cubas struggle for independence from Spain. The exposure of this document intensified the pressure on McKinley to take a firmer stance against Spanish actions in Cuba.
