Answer: The explosion of the USS Maine and the practice of yellow journalism did play a significant role in shaping public opinion and, ultimately, the U.S. government's decision to go to war with Spain in 1898.
The USS Maine was a U.S. Navy battleship that was sent to Havana, Cuba, in January 1898 to protect American interests during a time of political instability in the country. On February 15, 1898, the ship exploded and sank, killing 260 American sailors. The cause of the explosion was never definitively determined, but at the time, many Americans believed that the ship had been attacked by Spain.
At the same time, the U.S. newspaper industry was engaged in a practice known as yellow journalism, which involved sensationalized and often exaggerated reporting to increase circulation and profits. Yellow journalism played up the alleged Spanish responsibility for the explosion of Maine and depicted Spain as an oppressive regime in Cuba.
Together, the sinking of Maine and the sensationalist reporting of yellow journalism created a climate of public outrage and demand for action against Spain. The U.S. government, under pressure from the public and politicians, declared war on Spain in April 1898. The war was fought in Cuba and the Philippines and resulted in a U.S. victory, leading to the acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.