Question

Yellow Journalism--sensational reporting by Hearst and others that stirred up hostility toward Spain and spread "war fever" among many Americans; The destruction of the U.S.S. Maine which was blamed on the Spanish; Imperialist ambition--the desire to acquire new territories overseas for naval bases, trading posts, markets, natural resources

Answer 1

Yellow journalism, led by publishers like Hearst and Pulitzer, used exaggerated reporting to influence public opinion and played a significant role in leading up to the Spanish-American War after the explosion of the USS Maine.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yellow Journalism and the Spanish-American War

Yellow journalism was a style of news reporting, notably used by newspaper moguls like William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, which emphasized sensationalism over factual accuracy. These publishers employed striking headlines and emotional narratives to sway public opinion and attract readers, often exaggerating or fabricating stories about events. One notable instance of yellow journalism's influence was in the lead-up to the Spanish-American War, especially following the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898.

The Maine, sent to protect U.S. interests during the Cuban revolt against Spain, mysteriously exploded, killing over 250 sailors. Hearst's and Pulitzer's papers quickly blamed Spain, stoking the flames of war with headlines like "Remember the Maine!" Despite later evidence suggesting the explosion was likely accidental, the media frenzy contributed to the outbreak of war.

These events demonstrate the power of the media in shaping public perception and policy, a phenomenon that has continued into the modern era. The interplay between media sensationalism and imperialist ambitions during this period is a critical point of study in understanding the broader implications of media influence on history.