(A) Yes. They published their conclusions after the investigation determined Spain was at fault.
(B) No. A group of disgruntled American sailors claimed responsibility for the explosion.
(C) Yes. The United States was eager to go to war against Spain, so the truth did not matter.
(D) ** No. They jumped to that conclusion before the official investigation was completed.
EXPLANATIONS BELOW
Concept note-1: -He wanted to maintain a policy of neutrality, however public opinion and congress were calling for war. Were the newspapers justified in concluding that Spain was responsible for the sinking of the Maine ? No. They jumped to that conclusion before the official investigation was completed.
Concept note-2: -The Spanish-American War is often referred to as the first “media war.” During the 1890s, journalism that sensationalized-and sometimes even manufactured-dramatic events was a powerful force that helped propel the United States into war with Spain.
Concept note-3: -The Spanish-American War, while dominating the media, also fueled the United States’ first media wars in the era of yellow journalism. Newspapers at the time screamed outrage, with headlines including, “Who Destroyed the Maine? $50, 000 Reward, ” “Spanish Treachery” and “Invasion!”
Concept note-4: -Yellow journalism contributed to the U.S. declaring war by using “sensational stories that tugged at readers’ heartstrings to sell papers.” These papers blamed Spain for the sinking of the ship, even though they had no evidence to prove it. Spain declared war on April 24, 1898 and the U.S. declared war the next day.
Concept note-5: -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.