(A) Canada
(B) Mexico
(C) Cuba
(D) ** Spain
EXPLANATIONS BELOW
Concept note-1: -Many people in the United States blamed Spain (Today, however, many historians believe a malfunction in the ship caused the explosion). The relationship between Spain and the U.S. became so strained that they could no longer discuss the situation. By the end of April, the Spanish-American War had begun.
Concept note-2: -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-3: -USS Maine entering Havana harbour, January 1898At 9.40pm on the night of 15 February 1898 the United States battleship Maine, riding quietly at anchor in Havana harbour, was suddenly blown up, apparently by a mine, in an explosion which tore her bottom out and sank her, killing 260 officers and men on board.