(A) to help Philippines
(B) to help Guam
(C) to help Puerto Rico
(D) ** To help Cuba
EXPLANATIONS BELOW
Concept note-1: -After riots broke out in Havana, Cuba, in January 1898, the battleship U.S.S. Maine was sent there to safeguard American interests, although the Secretary of the Navy, John D. Long, insisted that it was only making a friendly call.
Concept note-2: -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-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.
Concept note-4: -The Spanish-American War During Cuba’s revolt against Spain, the battleship Maine was stationed in Havana Harbor. On February 15, 1898, the ship exploded, killing 266 naval officers and crew. Though the cause of the explosion could not be immediately determined, lawmakers and the public blamed Spain.
Concept note-5: -Serious riots in Havana in 1898 caused the United States to send the battleship U.S.S. Maine to Havana to insure the safety of American citizens and property in Cuba.