ANSWER:
Cuba wasn't independent from Spain, and Americans sided with Cuban rebels who didn't want to be governed under Madrid. President McKinley was hesitant to send over the Navy because they didn't have much training or practice. Nevertheless, a tank from America was sent over and exploded. After this happened, Spain failed to negotiate, and Congress declared war April 25, 1898.
EXPLAINED:
-Cuba wasn't independent from Spain
-Americans sided with Cuban rebels
-America had a stronger Navy, though President Mckinley hesitated because there was no testing or practice with their navy.
-They sent over a tank, which exploded. Spain failed to negotiate, and Congress declared war April 25, 1898.
-Over one million men recruited
-Teller Ammendment = America wouldn't take Cuba's territory
-Philliphines helped America's ships reapply.
After this it's all blah blah blah...