What was one result of the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine?

• A. Increased trade relations with Cuba
• B. U.S. entry into World War I
• C. Heightened tensions leading to the Spanish-American War
• D. Independence for Puerto Rico

Answer: (C)

One significant result of the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine was that it heightened tensions between the United States and Spain, leading directly to the Spanish-American War. The incident occurred in Havana Harbor in February 1898 and was pivotal in galvanizing public opinion in the U.S. against Spain. The explosion was widely blamed on Spanish sabotage, fueled by sensationalist journalism often referred to as "yellow journalism" at the time, which sought to provoke a war by stirring public emotion. As a result, the U.S. engaged in military action, declaring war on Spain in April 1898 and thereby entering the conflict that would result in the U.S. acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This military involvement marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy, transitioning from isolationism to a more active role on the global stage.