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In February 1898, the American battleship USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, Cuba, killing over 260 crew members. The ship had been sent to Cuba during a time of growing tension between Cuban rebels and Spanish colonial rule. Although the cause of the explosion was unclear, many Americans were encouraged by dramatic and emotional newspaper stories and blamed Spain. This event became a major trigger for the Spanish-American War, a brief but impactful conflict that resulted in the U.S. gaining overseas territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

The true cause of the Maine’s sinking remains a mystery. Early investigations blamed a mine, while later studies suggest it may have been an internal accident. However, the role of “yellow journalism” sensationalized and exaggerated reporting. It played a major role in pushing the public and government toward war. The phrase “Remember the Maine!” became a rallying cry for Americans, marking this event as a turning point in American history. It showed how the media could influence public opinion and government action, and it signaled the rise of the United States as an imperial power on the world stage.

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The USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, located on the northern coast of Cuba near the Gulf of Mexico. This port was one of the most important in the Caribbean because of its deep waters and proximity to the U.S., especially Florida. At the time, Cuba was a Spanish colony, and the U.S. sent the Maine to Havana to protect American citizens and interests during Cuba’s independence movement.

Havana’s location made it a key military and political hotspot. The explosion in this harbor, whether caused by accident or attack, had major consequences, which pushed the U.S. into the Spanish-American War. Understanding the geography of where the sinking took place, helps explain why this specific event had such a big impact on U.S. foreign policy.

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This photo shows the USS Maine before it exploded. It was sent to Havana Harbor in 1898 to protect American interests during political unrest in Cuba. The ship’s sudden explosion later triggered U.S. involvement in the Spanish-American War.

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This image captures the remains of the Maine after the explosion. The wreck became a symbol of American outrage, with newspapers and the public demanding retribution against Spain, despite no clear evidence of Spanish involvement.

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This newspaper front page from the New York Journal is an example of yellow journalism, which used sensational headlines like “Spanish Treachery” to sway public opinion and push the U.S. closer to war, regardless of the facts.

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This short video shows the solemn burial of sailors who died in the explosion. Their deaths became a rallying point for Americans who supported going to war, further fueling national anger and patriotism.

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Burial of the Maine victims - Made with Clipchamp

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This monument in Central Park, New York City, honors those who died on the Maine. It reflects how deeply the event impacted the American public and how it was used to justify the Spanish-American War.