(A) They refused to report the story.
(B) The reported that the explosion was an accident.
(C) ** They blamed the explosion on Spain.
(D) They blamed the explosion on Cuban rebels.
EXPLANATIONS BELOW
Concept note-1: -The American “yellow press ” blame Spain in banner headlines, outraging the public and inciting the rallying cry, “Remember the Maine!
Concept note-2: -Maine was a United States Navy ship that sank in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, contributing to the outbreak of the Spanish–American War in April. U.S. newspapers, engaging in yellow journalism to boost circulation, claimed that the Spanish were responsible for the ship’s destruction.
Concept note-3: -Why did many Americans blame Spain for the explosion of the USS Maine? Many viewed war with Spain as an opportunity to acquire Cuba and supported anything that made Spain look like the bad guy or evil.
Concept note-4: -After the sinking of the Maine, the Hearst newspapers, with no evidence, unequivocally blamed the Spanish, and soon U.S. public opinion demanded intervention. Today, historians point to the Spanish-American War as the first press-driven war.