Final answer:
William Randolph Hearst played a significant role in informing Americans about the Spanish actions in Cuba through his newspapers and sensationalist reporting.
Step-by-step explanation:
William Randolph Hearst played a significant role in informing Americans about what the Spanish were doing in Cuba. Hearst's newspapers, such as the New York Journal, ran stories highlighting the cruelty of Spanish colonial rule, which helped to create public sympathy for the Cuban cause of independence. Additionally, Hearst seized the opportunity when the American battleship Maine exploded, alleging that the Spanish had destroyed the ship. Through sensationalist reporting and yellow journalism, Hearst helped to agitate for war with Spain, ultimately influencing public opinion and contributing to the start of the Spanish-American War.