The Destruction of the Maine
While coverage of the Cuban uprising influenced public opinion in the United States, it was not until the destruction of the U.S.S. Maine on February 15, 1898, that the tide truly turned.
Watch this video to learn about how the U.S. press reported on this event.
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Note: The actual cause of the Maine’s destruction has never been conclusively proven. At the time, the Navy’s investigation stated that the explosion was caused by an underwater mine. Modern naval experts, using archival photos and information, contradict this account. Their investigation shows that an accidental fire in the ship’s coal room likely spread to the nearby gunpowder store and ignited it.
Calderwood Writing Course: U.S. History
