(A) ** American newspapers blamed Spain for the explosion and created a public support of the war.
(B) American newspapers blamed Spain for the explosion and created a public fear of Spain.
(C) American newspapers didn’t report about the explosion.
(D) American newspapers reported that the Cubans tried to help the Americans aboard the ship.
EXPLANATIONS BELOW
Concept note-1: -On February 15, 1898, an explosion of unknown origin sank the battleship U.S.S. Maine in the Havana, Cuba harbor, killing 266 of the 354 crew members. The sinking of the Maine incited United States’ passions against Spain, eventually leading to a naval blockade of Cuba and a declaration of war.
Concept note-2: -In 1897, newly elected President William McKinley cautioned patience, but the explosion of the Maine shattered U.S. relations with Spain and led to a declaration of war on April 25, 1898. War with Spain caused the U.S. to rethink its long-held principle of anti-colonialism.
Concept note-3: -The American “yellow press” blame Spain in banner headlines, outraging the public and inciting the rallying cry, “Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!” Over 260 crew members perish in this event, which was a contributing factor in the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.
Concept note-4: -USS Maine, a second-class battleship built between 1888 and 1895, was sent to Havana in January 1898 to protect American interests during the long-standing revolt of the Cubans against the Spanish government. In the evening of 15 February 1898, Maine sank when her forward gunpowder magazines exploded.