Which statement best describes President McKinley's initial stance regarding American involvement in the Cuban conflict before the Spanish-American War? He resisted public pressure for military intervention. He declared war on Spain without consulting Congress. He strongly advocated for immediate military intervention. He negotiated directly with José Marti for Cuban independence.

He resisted public pressure for military intervention. While McKinley personally sympathized with the Cuban rebels and was concerned about the instability the conflict was causing, he initially preferred a diplomatic solution and resisted calls for war from the public and some members of Congress. He hoped Spain would implement reforms and grant Cuba greater autonomy, thus avoiding the need for American intervention.<br />