Final answer:
The events in the Spanish-American War can be put in order as follows: The U.S.S. Maine is destroyed, Spain refuses Cuban Independence, The United States declares Cuba free, Spain declares war on the U.S.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sequence of events in the Spanish-American War unfolded as follows: First, in February 1898, the U.S.S. Maine, stationed in Havana Harbor, was destroyed, with blame placed on a Spanish mine. This incident heightened tensions between the United States and Spain. Subsequently, Spain's refusal to grant independence to Cuba further escalated the situation. In response, the United States declared Cuba free and supported its struggle for independence.
The culmination of these events occurred in April 1898 when, in reaction to the U.S. declaration supporting Cuba and the deteriorating relations, Spain officially declared war on the United States. The Spanish-American War marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy, leading to the acquisition of territories and a more assertive role on the global stage.