America's Foreign Policy Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Mastering U.S. Foreign Policy!

The sinking of the USS Maine played a crucial role in the buildup of American sentiment against Spain and is often regarded as a catalyst for the Spanish-American War. Following the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in February 1898, which resulted in the deaths of 266 American sailors, there was widespread outrage and mourning across the United States. The media, particularly newspapers owned by publishers such as William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, sensationalized the event and blamed Spain for the disaster, despite no definitive evidence linking Spain to the sinking.

This significant outpouring of anti-Spanish sentiment greatly influenced public opinion and created a climate that favored military intervention. The rallying cry "Remember the Maine!" became a powerful slogan for those advocating for war, leading to increased pressure on the federal government to take action. This atmosphere of heightened emotions and the desire for retribution were direct contributors to the eventual declaration of war against Spain in April 1898.

Other options do not encapsulate the full impact of the USS Maine's sinking. The explosion did not provoke an immediate military response from Spain, nor did it initiate peace talks, as Spain was not inclined to negotiate under the circumstances and continued to be defensive about its actions. Additionally, there was no collective