when did the us declare war on spain
Spanish–American War
President McKinley signed a joint Congressional resolution demanding Spanish withdrawal and authorizing the President to use military force to help Cuba gain independence on April 20 , 1898 . In response , Spain severed diplomatic relations with the United States on April 21 . On the same day , the US Navy began a blockade of Cuba . On April 23 , Spain stated that it would declare war if the US forces invaded its territory . On April 25 , Congress declared that a state of war between the US and Spain and had de facto existed since April 21 , the day the blockade of Cuba had begun . The United States sent an ultimatum to Spain demanding that it surrender control of Cuba , but due to Spain not replying soon enough , the United States assumed Spain had ignored the ultimatum and continued to occupy Cuba . 
President McKinley signed a joint Congressional resolution demanding Spanish withdrawal and authorizing the President to use military force to help Cuba gain independence on April 20 , 1898 . In response , Spain severed diplomatic relations with the United States on April 21 . On the same day , the US Navy began a blockade of Cuba . On April 23 , Spain stated that it would declare war if the US forces invaded its territory . On April 25 , Congress declared that a state of war between the US and Spain and had de facto existed since April 21 , the day the blockade of Cuba had begun . The United States sent an ultimatum to Spain demanding that it surrender control of Cuba , but due to Spain not replying soon enough , the United States assumed Spain had ignored the ultimatum and continued to occupy Cuba .
President McKinley signed a joint Congressional resolution demanding Spanish withdrawal and authorizing the President to use military force to help Cuba gain independence on April 20, 1898.  On April 25, Congress declared that a state of war between the US and Spain.
President McKinley signed a joint Congressional resolution demanding Spanish withdrawal and authorizing the President to use military force to help Cuba gain independence on April 20 , 1898 . On April 25 , Congress declared that a state of war between the US and Spain and had de facto existed since April 21 , the day the blockade of Cuba had begun .
President McKinley signed a joint Congressional resolution demanding Spanish withdrawal and authorizing the President to use military force to help Cuba gain independence on April 20, 1898. On April 25, Congress declared that a state of war between the US and Spain and had de facto existed since April 21, the day the blockade of Cuba had begun.
President McKinley signed a joint Congressional resolution demanding Spanish withdrawal and authorizing the President to use military force to help Cuba gain independence on April 20 , 1898 . On April 25 , Congress declared that a state of war between the US and Spain and had de facto existed since April 21 , the day the blockade of Cuba had begun .