After the USS Maine was sunk in Cuba's Havana Harbor in 1898, the United States declared war on Spain.
This event, known as the sinking of the USS Maine, served as a catalyst for the United States' entry into the Spanish-American War. The explosion that sank the Maine was initially believed to be the result of a Spanish attack, although later investigations suggested it was likely caused by an internal explosion.
Regardless of the cause, the sinking of the USS Maine was used by American newspapers and politicians to galvanize public opinion in favor of war with Spain. The United States declared war on Spain on April 25, 1898, and the conflict lasted for just over three months.
The Spanish-American War resulted in a decisive victory for the United States, leading to the Treaty of Paris in December 1898. As a result of the treaty, Spain ceded control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. Cuba was granted independence, although it remained under American influence. The sinking of the USS Maine played a crucial role in shaping the course of American foreign policy and revealed the growing influence of the United States as a global power.