Final answer:
The sinking of the USS Maine led to rising tensions between Spain and the United States in 1898.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sinking of the USS Maine was a significant event that led to rising tensions between Spain and the United States in 1898. The USS Maine was sent to Cuba by President McKinley to protect American interests and citizens. When the ship mysteriously exploded on February 15, 1898, American newspapers blamed the Spanish for the incident, which fueled public anger and led to the rallying cry, 'Remember the Maine!'