Mobilization

During the period leading up to the declaration of war President McKinley asked for and received an immediate appropriation of 50 million dollars. Once war was declared McKinley requested 125,000 volunteers to fight. Over 1,000,000 men tried to enlist. 78% were rejected; the army could afford to be choosy. The period leading up to the start of hostilities seemed to finally close the wounds of the Civil War. Two Confederate generals were called back to service, Generals' Fitzhugh Lee and General Wheeler. Soon crowds in the South were cheery as soldiers carrying Old Glory marched off to war.