AMERICAN IMPERIALISM 1890 1919
THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR
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Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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The U.S.S. Maine started to fire on the Spanish.
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Yellow journalism blamed the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine on the Spanish.
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The United States wanted the U.S.S. Maine to gain control over Cuba so they could sell it to another country.
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The U.S.S. Maine delivered troops to Cuba so they could build a canal.
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Detailed explanation-1: -But after pro-Spanish demonstrators rioted in Havana in January 1898 to protest Spain’s more conciliatory policies, McKinley ordered the U.S. battleship Maine to Havana harbor, both to protect American citizens and property and to demonstrate that the United States still valued Spain’s friendship.
Detailed explanation-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.
Detailed explanation-3: -On April 11, 1898, two months after the battleship U.S.S. Maine was destroyed by an explosion in Havana harbor, President McKinley sent a message to Congress requesting authority to use the U.S. armed forces to end a brutal civil war in the Spanish colony of Cuba.
Detailed explanation-4: -The American “yellow press” blame Spain in banner headlines, outraging the public and inciting the rallying cry, “Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!” Over 260 crew members perish in this event, which was a contributing factor in the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.