Abstract
The Cuban revolt against Spanish rule in 1895 and the possibility that this might lead to war between Spain and the United States placed Florida in a dilemma. There were a number of reasons for the state’s rejoicing at the prospect of Cuban independence, and for many individual Floridians to want to aid the rebels. Against this, however, was the fear that if the United States went to war against Spain it could end only in disaster for Florida. As a result, an attempt was made to walk a middle path, to encourage the giving of private aid to the rebels, and yet to strongly oppose any official action that might lead to intervention and war. During this period, Florida presented the unique picture of being the only state in which all important newspapers were united in opposition to war. The journals continued to oppose it right up to the day on which President McKinley signed the joint resolution of Congress that, in effect, placed the country in a state of war. Then and only then did the press of Florida capitulate and begin to display any enthusiasm for war.
Recommended Citation
Schellings, William J.
(1960)
"Florida and the Cuban Revolution, 1895-1898,"
Florida Historical Quarterly: Vol. 39:
No.
2, Article 7.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/fhq/vol39/iss2/7
