Video: 'The Spanish American War | History Channel Documentary' (Congress declares war at 34:40)

(Monday, April 25, 1898 6:18 p.m. local time; during the Spanish–American War) — President William McKinley signed a bill tonight at the White House declaring that a state of war between the U.S. and Spain had existed since Apr. 21, 1898, the day the U.S. Navy began a blockade of Cuba.

Video: 'Crucible of Empire: The Spanish American War' (Congress declares war at 42:44)