alternatehistory.com

004
June 16th, 1904

The War Department, Washington, D.C.

0202 Hours

Within half an hour of the president receiving the German ultimatum, he had alerted the Department of War and the Department of State of the dire situation. The navy's Caribbean squadron was put on high alert, and the Asiatic squadron was dispatched to Manila. McKinley called an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss courses of action.

It was decided to refuse the ultimatum, an obvious course of action.

McKinley addresses the nation at noon.

Top