Final answer:
The Spanish-American War was caused by yellow journalism, the protection of U.S. sugar interests in Cuba, American support for Cubans and Filipinos against Spanish rule, and the mysterious explosion of the U.S.S. Maine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The causes of the Spanish-American War were:
- Yellow journalism: Sensationalized and exaggerated reporting by the media about the conditions in Cuba, swaying public opinion in favor of war.
- The protection of U.S. sugar interests in Cuba: American business interests in Cuba were threatened during the Cuban War for Independence, leading to a desire to protect these economic interests.
- American support for Cubans and Filipinos against Spanish rule: There was strong sympathy in the U.S. for the struggles of the Cuban and Philippine people against Spanish colonization. This support led to increased pressure for U.S. intervention.
- The mysterious explosion of the U.S.S. Maine: The explosion of the U.S.S. Maine, although the exact cause is still debated, was blamed on Spain by the media and helped to further escalate tensions between the two nations.
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