[153]

Peace and territorial gain
See also: Philippine–American War
Signing of the Treaty of Paris
McKinley's cabinet agreed with him that Spain must leave Cuba and Puerto Rico, but they disagreed on the Philippines, with some wishing to annex the entire archipelago and some wishing only to retain a naval base in the area.[154] Although public sentiment seemed to favor annexation of the Philippines, several prominent political leaders—including Democrats Bryan, and Cleveland, and the newly formed American Anti-Imperialist League—made their opposition known.[155]
McKinley proposed to open negotiations with Spain on the basis of Cuban liberation and Puerto Rican annexation, with the final status of the Philippines subject to further discussion.[156] He stood firmly in that demand even as the military situation in Cuba began to deteriorate when the American army was struck with yellow fever.[156] Spain ultimately agreed to a ceasefire on those terms on August 12, and treaty negotiations began in Paris in September 1898.[157] The talks continued until December 18, when the Treaty of Paris was signed.