The Sinking of The U.S.S. Maine
To Start the Spanish American War of 1898

Hightlights From this Video:

• The USS Maine was sent to protect American interests in Cuba, just following massive riots among the citizens. There was already a popular uprising of turmoil stirred up.
• The USS Maine blew up. But was not linked to Spain at all. Something else blew it up.
• The newspapermen of the day immediately whipped the public into a frenzy against Spain. Influencing popular opinion.
• The Congress and the President William McKinley later saw a chance to have a positive outcome, so they declared war on Spain.
• America wins in 6 months and becomes a world-wide power, with the annexing of Cuba, Phillippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico.