The US sent the battleship USS Maine to protect the lives and property of American citizens. The ship remained quietly at anchor in Havana Harbor for 3 weeks. Then, on February 15, 1898, an enormous explosion shattered the Maine, killing about 260 officers and crew members. American newspapers immediately blamed Spain. Much later evidence indicated that the explosion may have been accidental, but at that time, Americans clamored for war with Spain.
The U.S. declared war on Spain on April 21, 1898, following the explosion of the USS Maine, which was blamed on Spain by sensationalist media. This incident fueled public outrage and political pressure for intervention due to American business interests in Cuba. Ultimately, the declaration led to significant territorial gains for the U.S. after the war was fought.
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