The Spanish American War began 115 years ago, following a series of events including the controversial de Lôme letter and the sinking of the USS Maine and increased tensions over Cuba. These culminated in the final disintegration of diplomatic relations when Spain declared war with the United States. Congress reciprocated with this Act of April 25, 1898, Public Law 55-69, which declared that a state of war existed between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain.
Many had prepared for this eventuality. Then-Assistant Secretary of the Navy (and future Rough Rider, and future President) Theodore Roosevelt had sent coded orders 2 months earlier to the Pacific Squadron to engage the Spanish Fleet.
Choked with debris, a bombed water intake of the Pegnitz River no longer supplies war factories in Nuremberg, vital Reich industrial city and festival center of the Nazi party, which was captured April 20, 1945, by troops of the U.S. Army.
On June 1, 1812, President James Madison sent Congress a message asking for a declaration of war with Great Britain. The House adopted the war resolution on June 4 by a vote of 79-49, and it was then sent to the Senate for approval. The Senate made amendments to the House war resolution, and voted in favor of the changes on June 17, 19-13. On June 18 the House approved the amendments. President Madison signed the declaration of war on June 18.
Senate Amendments to the House Declaration of War, HR 12A-B3, 6/17/1812, Records of the U.S. House of Representatives
House Approval of the Senate Amendments to the House Declaration of War, HR 12A-B3, 6/18/1812, Records of the U.S. House of Representatives
200 years ago today, the War of 1812 was formally declared.
Act of June 18, 1812 - Declaration of War with Great Britain
The War of 1812 formally began on June 18, 1812, when President James Madison signed the this act into law.
If you look closely you can see President Madison’s signature on the left.
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
(Why May 8? It’s founder Henry Dunant’s birthday » )
Has the Red Cross or the Red Crescent every helped you or your family in a time of need?
On April 2, 1917, in reaction to Germany’s resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare and the revelation of the Zimmermann telegram, President Woodrow Wilson delivered this address to a joint session of Congress and called for a declaration of war against Germany. The resulting congressional vote brought the United States into World War I.
via Our Documents »
March is American Red Cross Month
On March 1, 2012 President Obama released the Presidential Proclamation:
“…NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America and Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2012 as American Red Cross Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities, and by supporting the work of service and relief organizations.”
Treating the wounds
During the North Vietnamese Army’s surprise 1968 Tet Offensive, a fierce battle raged in the city of Hue. Pitting North Vietnamese Army regulars and Vietcong against South Vietnamese Army troops and U.S. Marines, the month-long battle ended in defeat for the attackers. This photograph from February 6, 1968, shows D.R. Howe treating the wounds of Private First Class D.A. Crum.
Photograph of Soldiers at Hue City, 02/06/1968
Following the Declaration of War on Japan on December 8, 1941, the other Axis nations of Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. Congress responded, formally declaring a state of war with Germany in this Joint Resolution on December 11, 1941.
Day of Infamy
This photo shows Roosevelt delivering his “Day of Infamy” speech to Congress. To the right, in uniform, is Roosevelt’s son James, who escorted his father to the Capitol. Seated in the back are V.P. Henry Wallace and Speaker Sam Rayburn. December 8, 1941.
The National Archives holds typed copies of the final drafts of this seminal speech, with a few of FDR’s handwritten corrections. However, archivists at the FDR Library believe the original reading copy, like reading copies of other FDR speeches, was in a completely different form, very distinctive in size and format and different from the legislative copies in House and Senate files.
Apparently, neither FDR nor his son, James, who accompanied him, brought it back to the White House and its whereabouts, 70 years later, remains a mystery.
On December 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt delivered this “Day of Infamy Speech,” shown here as the first draft. Immediately afterward, Congress declared war, and the United States entered World War II.
via Prologue: “FDR’s ‘Day of Infamy’ Speech: Crafting a Call to Arms”
August 9, 1945 - The United States drops the bomb on the city of Nagasaki.
Saipan, July 4, 1944.
Using an unexploded 16-inch naval shell for a resting place, Marine Private First Class Raymond Hubert, shakes a three-day accumulation of sand from his boondocker.
“Your Country Calls You.”
Cover of Leslie’s Weekly magazine for June 30, 1898, during the Spanish-American War.
Act of June 18, 1812 - Declaration of War with Great Britain
The War of 1812 formally began on June 18, 1812, when President James Madison signed the this act into law.
If you look closely you can see President Madison’s signature on the left.
