Which U.S. president was in office during the Spanish-American War?

William McKinley was the U.S. president in office during the Spanish-American War, which occurred in 1898. His administration was marked by a push for expansion and imperialism, driven in part by the desire to support Cuban independence from Spanish rule. The war began after tensions escalated due to Cuba's fight for independence and the sinking of the USS Maine, which was a catalyst for U.S. intervention. McKinley's decision to go to war was influenced by growing public sentiment and media pressure at the time, as well as broader strategic interests in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Under McKinley’s leadership, the United States won a swift victory against Spain, leading to significant territorial gains, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This war marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy, as America transitioned into a more imperialistic stance on the global stage.