Question

What happens that throws America into war with Cuba/Spain?

Answer 1

The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898, catalyzed the United States' entry into the Spanish-American War, leading to the declaration of war on Spain on April 25, 1898, and resulting in Cuban independence as well as the cession of other Spanish territories to the U.S.

Step-by-step explanation:

What Triggered the Spanish-American War?

The event that precipitated the United States to declare war on Spain, subsequently involving America in conflict with Cuba/Spain, was the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898. The destruction of the USS Maine, which led to the death of 260 U.S. sailors, was blamed on a Spanish mine by sensationalist press and public opinion, demanding the U.S. to "remember the Maine" and take action. President William McKinley and the U.S. Congress responded to the public outcry and strategic interests by declaring war on Spain on April 25, 1898, a move that ultimately led to Cuban independence.

Before the USS Maine incident, American business and property interests were affected by the Cuban revolt against Spanish rule. President McKinley was already troubled by the instability in Cuba and had placed the battleship Maine in Havana as a protective and diplomatic gesture. After the explosion, McKinley pushed for a peaceful solution but, once diplomatic efforts failed and public pressure mounted, war was inevitable.

The Spanish-American War saw significant action at sea, where the U.S. Navy overpowered the Spanish fleet in both the Caribbean and the Philippines. The war led to the Treaty of Paris in 1898, in which Spain agreed to Cuban independence and ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S. However, American influence remained strong in Cuba through the imposition of the Platt Amendment, which allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs.

Answer 2

The sinking of the USS Maine throws America into war with Cuba/Spain.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. The USS Maine: The USS Maine was a United States Navy ship that was sent to Havana, Cuba, in 1898 during the Cuban War of Independence. The purpose of the USS Maine's presence was to protect American interests and show support for the Cuban rebels.

2. Explosion of the USS Maine: On February 15, 1898, the USS Maine exploded and sank in Havana Harbor. The exact cause of the explosion is still debated, but it was widely believed at the time that it was due to a Spanish mine.

3. Media and public reaction: The sinking of the USS Maine caused a surge of anti-Spanish sentiment in the United States. Newspapers and media outlets, fueled by sensationalist reporting, portrayed the incident as an act of aggression by Spain.

4. "Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!": The slogan "Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!" became a rallying cry for those calling for war against Spain. The incident was used as a justification for the United States to intervene in Cuba's struggle for independence.

5. Declaration of war: On April 25, 1898, the United States declared war on Spain. This declaration, known as the Spanish-American War, marked America's entry into the conflict.

6. Outcome: The Spanish-American War lasted only a few months and resulted in a decisive victory for the United States. As a result, Spain lost control of Cuba, and the United States emerged as a major power in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

In summary, the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor was a major event that threw America into war with Cuba/Spain. The incident led to a surge of anti-Spanish sentiment, public outcry, and the eventual declaration of war by the United States. The Spanish-American War ended with America emerging as a major power and Spain losing control of Cuba.