What event led to the Spanish-American War?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the factors or specific events that triggered the Spanish-American War. This includes historical incidents such as the sinking of the USS Maine, American imperialism, and the desire for Cuban independence.
Answer
The explosion and sinking of the U.S. battleship Maine in Havana harbor.
The explosion and sinking of the U.S. battleship Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898, led to the Spanish-American War.
Answer for screen readers
The explosion and sinking of the U.S. battleship Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898, led to the Spanish-American War.
More Information
The explosion of the USS Maine was used as a rallying cry, with the slogan "Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!" becoming popular among Americans.
Tips
A common mistake is to overlook the broader context of rising tensions between the U.S. and Spain due to issues like Cuban independence and sensationalist media, known as yellow journalism.
