Question

What role did yellow journalism play in the Spanish-American War?

A
It sensationalized news reports to drum up public support for the war and newspaper sales.

B
It caused the majority of American businesses operating in Cuba to close.

C
It reported accurate news about the events despite government attempts to keep events secret.

D
It leaked military plans that led to the destruction of the USS Maine.

Answer 1

Yellow journalism played a critical role in stirring public support for the Spanish-American War through sensationalized reporting, leading to the answer option A) It sensationalized news reports to drum up public support for the war and newspaper sales.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yellow journalism played a significant role in influencing public opinion and escalating tensions leading up to the Spanish-American War. The sensationalist reporting by newspapers, particularly those owned by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, used exaggerated or fabricated news stories to evoke emotional reactions from the American public.

This type of journalism greatly affected public sentiment by portraying the Spanish as the aggressors, especially after the mysterious explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which yellow journalists blamed on Spain. These inflammatory reports were instrumental in swaying public opinion to support the war effort, highlighting yellow journalism's impact on history.

The correct answer to the multiple-choice question is: A) It sensationalized news reports to drum up public support for the war and newspaper sales.