He felt that it was definitely in our economic interest to war with Spain because we had spent a lot of money aiding the Cubans against the Spanish, as well as it would help our trading of commodities such as sugar. During this time in the world, many of the larger and more powerful countries were practicing Imperialism. America was no exception to this. Many believed that expansionism is what could make this country richer and more powerful place, and Cuba was the perfect opportunity for this expansion. Though this was one of the larger motives for engaging in the war, it was hidden by fancy speeches that came across as altruistic and anti-imperialistic. America claimed to be simply looking to establish and protect a democracy in the interest of the Cuban people, but those altruistic motives were simply being used to cover up our imperialistic intentions. It is even more clear that those were the actual intentions of the United States when we look at our annexation of the Philippines, thus proving our desire to expand our territories. McKinley may have had arguments based on self-interest, but it doesn't mean that he didn't believe his altruistic reasons. It simply seems necessary to have both to make a compelling argument for going to war.
Woodrow Wilson faced a predicament similar to that of McKinley. He too wished to remain neutral, but was forced into no other option than war when Germany became hostile and aggressive towards the United States. Seeing there was no other option Wilson chose to defend his people. "We enter this war only where we are clearly forced into it because there are no other means of defending our rights." Though in this statement he is clearly looking out for the self-interest of his country, he was also referring to his desire to protect the free seas and free trade that the German U-boats threatened. This was important to him and also was definitely in the self-interest of the United States.
