The Spanish-American War was a conflict that took place in 1898 between Spain and the United States. There were several factors that led to the outbreak of the war, but two of the main causes were:
Cuban Independence Movement: The Cuban people had been fighting for independence from Spain for several years, and the United States had become increasingly sympathetic to their cause. The Spanish government's brutal tactics in suppressing the rebellion, including concentration camps and atrocities against civilians, outraged many Americans and fueled support for intervention in Cuba.
Yellow Journalism: In the 1890s, sensationalist newspapers in the United States, known as "yellow journalism," began publishing exaggerated and often fabricated stories about Spanish atrocities in Cuba. This "yellow press" played a significant role in shaping public opinion and pushing the United States towards war with Spain.
The combination of these factors, along with economic and strategic interests in the Caribbean and Pacific regions, led to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898.