Wars in the United States have been fought over a variety of issues such as territory, resources, or political freedom. A key component of war is why and how the war began . Although ideally war should be avoided and compromise and negotiation should be the focus, wars still occur for a variety of reasons. When war does occur there are conditions outlined in the “Just War Theory” that determine whether the war is just or unjust. In United States history, the Mexican-American War and the Spanish-American War violated the “Just War Theory.” The Mexican-American War is thus more unjust because of the violation of the just war theory, United States ' greed for land expansion in the belief of Manifest Destiny, and power disparity.
Just War Theory is a set of mutually agreed rules of war. The Catholic theology calls this the Just War Doctrine. America turns to God for guidance and strength during times of conflict. There is nothing more powerful than prayer as an act against war. The actions of our military needs to follow God’s rules. In the Bible there are hints of what ethical behavior in war and concepts of just cause. The fifth commandment tells us, “Do Not Kill.” All attempts should be to avoid war and instead have a compromise. However, these …show more content…
First, despite pressure from the immigrants of Cuba, American did not intervene. McKinley protested Spain’s tactics on Cuba, but did not go to war. After the sinking of the Maine and the Dupuy de lome insulting the President, McKinley still did not attempt to go to war. In another attempt to avoid war, McKinley asked Spain for an armistice and a peace agreement. When Spain refused the treaty it meant they wanted war. However, Spain was not weak, and they suppressed the revolts of Cuba for thirty years. Thus, McKinley made many efforts to follow the Just War Theory by avoiding war with Spain as long as it was
Just War Theory is a set of mutually agreed rules of war. The Catholic theology calls this the Just War Doctrine. America turns to God for guidance and strength during times of conflict. There is nothing more powerful than prayer as an act against war. The actions of our military needs to follow God’s rules. In the Bible there are hints of what ethical behavior in war and concepts of just cause. The fifth commandment tells us, “Do Not Kill.” All attempts should be to avoid war and instead have a compromise. However, these …show more content…
First, despite pressure from the immigrants of Cuba, American did not intervene. McKinley protested Spain’s tactics on Cuba, but did not go to war. After the sinking of the Maine and the Dupuy de lome insulting the President, McKinley still did not attempt to go to war. In another attempt to avoid war, McKinley asked Spain for an armistice and a peace agreement. When Spain refused the treaty it meant they wanted war. However, Spain was not weak, and they suppressed the revolts of Cuba for thirty years. Thus, McKinley made many efforts to follow the Just War Theory by avoiding war with Spain as long as it was