Final answer:
The Spanish-American War was caused by factors such as the sinking of the USS Maine, yellow journalism, and territorial expansion. The war between Spain and the US was primarily driven by these factors as well as the desire for territories like Cuba and the Philippines.
Step-by-step explanation:
The war between Spain and the US, known as the Spanish-American War, was primarily caused by a variety of factors including the sinking of the USS Maine, yellow journalism, and the desire for territorial expansion. One of the main triggers was the explosion of the USS Maine battleship in Havana harbor, which led to public outrage and the belief that Spain was responsible. Yellow journalism, with newspapers exaggerating stories and publishing sensationalized headlines, fueled anti-Spanish sentiments in the US. Additionally, the US had an interest in expanding its influence in the Caribbean and Pacific regions, leading to the desire for territories such as Cuba and the Philippines.
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