USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Maine was a United States Navy ship that sank in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, contributing to the outbreak of the Spanish–American War in April. U.S. newspapers, engaging in yellow journalism to boost circulation, claimed that the Spanish were responsible for the ship’s destruction.

Detailed explanation-2: -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.

Detailed explanation-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).

Detailed explanation-4: -Timeline. President William McKinley sends the battleship USS Maine to Havana to protect U.S. interests in Cuba. The Maine explodes in Havana Harbor, killing 266 men.