|
 n January, 1898, President William McKinley ordered the American battleship
USS Maine into Cuban waters to protect American interests in Cuba. McKinley
wanted to show Spain that the U.S. would become involved in the Spanish-Cuba
conflict if necessary. When the USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor on
February 15, killing 266 Americans, the blame was immediately placed on
Spain. Hearst's newspapers declared that the "DESTRUCTION OF THE MAINE
WAS THE WORK OF AN ENEMY." He personally offered a $50,000 reward
for information leading to the disclosure of the guilty party. Americans
wanted revenge. The cry went up "Remember the Maine and to hell with
Spain!"
President McKinley was reluctant to jump to conclusions. He urged American's
to withhold their judgment until a complete investigation of the explosion
could be conducted. But the national clamor for retaliation could not be
squelched. McKinley signed a resolution demanding that Cuba be freed of
Spanish reign and sent a US Navy blockade to Cuban ports. On April 23,
1898, Spain declared war on the United States. |
 |
||||||||||||||
|
The Conflict With Spain Background |
Rough Rider Background |
Timeline: The Events That Shaped An American Legend |
| Home Page |
The Production |
Spanish/American War Background |
Role of Yellow Journalism |