Discussion Topic
The impact of the U.S.S. Maine explosion on the initiation of the Spanish-American War
Summary:
The explosion of the U.S.S. Maine significantly impacted the initiation of the Spanish-American War. The event fueled public outrage and was a catalyst for the U.S. declaring war on Spain, as it was widely blamed on Spanish sabotage despite a lack of conclusive evidence. This incident intensified American support for intervention in Cuba.
How did the sinking of the USS Maine relate to the Spanish-American War?
The sinking of the USS Maine was the immediate cause of war between the U.S. and Spain, although there was substantial belief at the time (and conclusive proof now) that the sinking was entirely accidental. At the time the Maine arrived in Havana Harbor, two newspaper editors, William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer were in a bitter competition for newspaper sales. The competition was so savage that truth often was less important than sensationalism, and headlines were somewhat similar to those of a grocery store tabloid. For weeks before the Maine sinking, the newspapers had run lurid stories of Spanish atrocities in Cuba, none of which could be substantiated. When the Maine sank in an explosion, the papers carried stories decrying the "dastardly act," offered rewards for conviction of the perpetrators, and often carried headlines screaming "Remember the Maine." The entire country was whipped up into war fever at a...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
time when there was substantial sentiment in Congress for an independent Cuba. Although Spain offered numerous concessions, tantamount to surrender, none were acceptable, and war was declared.
The true cause of the explosion was ignition of coal dust in a bin located too near the ships powder magazine. It was entirely accidental, and was later proved to be such; but it was too good an opportunity for the newspapers to ignore, so it became the casus belli of the war.
What role did the U.S.S. Maine explosion play in the decision to war against Spain?
The explosion of the U.S.S. Maine was a major factor in our decision to go to war against Spain. There had been a growing discontent between the United States and Spain over the Spanish treatment of the people of Cuba. Our newspapers were reporting how poorly the Spanish were treating the Cubans. Americans, who had no viable way of verifying the newspaper reports, were outraged at the alleged mistreatment of the Cubans. When the Spanish ambassador to the United States privately criticized President McKinley in a letter that was intercepted and given to the press, more people became upset with Spain. Our relationship with Spain was deteriorating.
When the U.S.S. Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, the American people immediately blamed the Spanish. The growing public pressure to go to war against Spain was very significant, even though there was no definite evidence linking Spain to the explosion of this ship. Many years later, it was concluded that the Spanish didn’t destroy this ship. After Congress insisted that Spain must leave Cuba and gave the president the power to make this happen, the Spanish declared war on us, and we then declared war on Spain. Thus, the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine was a critical factor leading to the Spanish-American War.
References