(A) They believed Cuba blew up Spain’s capital.
(B) The thought that Spain was trying to invade the United States.
(C) ** They blamed Spain for the U.S.S. Maine explosion.
(D) They blamed Cuba for causing the war.
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: -36. On April 25, 1898 the United States declared war on Spain following the sinking of the Battleship Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898.
Concept note-3: -Who was to blame? Spain controlled Cuba at the time. So, was it Cuba, or Spain, or was it an accident? Many people in the United States blamed Spain (Today, however, many historians believe a malfunction in the ship caused the explosion).
Concept note-4: -On March 28, 1898, the United States Naval Court of Inquiry found that the Maine was destroyed by a submerged mine. Although blame was never formally placed on the Spanish, implication was clear.
Concept note-5: -The USS Maine was also a ship. The explosion killed 266 American sailors. Today, historians believe the explosion was an accident. In 1898, the U.S. blamed the explosion on Spain.