USA HISTORY

How did the following events affect the USThe sinking of the USS Maine $\to$ US Congress declares war $\to$ Treaty of Paris is signed

(A) They increased public support for cuts in US defense spending

(B) They prompted the end of Dollar Diplomacy in Latin America

(C) They set a precedent of including territorial acquisitions in settlements

(D) ** They helped establish the US as an imperial power similar to European nations

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: -Subsequent diplomatic failures to resolve the Maine matter, coupled with United States indignation over Spain’s brutal suppression of the Cuban rebellion and continued losses to American investment, led to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in April 1898.

Concept note-3: -After “Taps” was sounded more than five tons of the ship’s gunpowder exploded. The front third of the ship was immediately destroyed and more than 250 Marines and sailors were killed. This sparked the U.S. involvement in the Cuban uprising and began the Spanish-American War. Of the Marines aboard, only 11 survived.