How The Shipwreck Of The USS Maine Caused The Spanish-American War
Library of CongressThe explosion of the USS Maine infuriated Americans who believed the vessel had been attacked.
Anyone who’s read an American history textbook may recall the chant: “Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain!” So what exactly happened on February 15, 1898, when the USS Maine exploded in Cuba’s Havana Harbor?
The 6,000-ton battleship had been sent to Havana in January 1898. As Cuba’s struggle for independence against Spain intensified, the USS Maine was tasked with keeping an eye on things and protecting American interests.
But everything changed on February 15th. At around 9:40 p.m. that night, the massive American battleship suddenly exploded in Havana Harbor. Around 260 sailors out of a crew of about 354 lost their lives.
The explosion of the Maine came at a delicate diplomatic time. Relations between the United States and Spain were strained over Cuba, and many in the U.S. immediately blamed Spain for the destruction. They alleged that Spain had sneakily struck the ship and caused it to explode.
“Spanish Treachery!” cried one newspaper, as another blared, “Destruction of the War Ship Maine Was the Work of an Enemy!”
Library of CongressThe aftermath of the devastating sinking of the USS Maine.
Though Spain did not take credit for the explosion — and even offered to help survivors — the war drums were already beating in the United States. After an official American investigation found that an external explosion had likely sunk the ship, the United States declared war on Spain.
Not only did the United States win the war, but the country also gained a number of overseas territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. That makes the sinking of the USS Maine one of the most significant and famous shipwrecks in American history.
But Spain might have had nothing to do with it. Instead, the practice of yellow journalism may have promoted a false accusation in the United States all along. Later investigations suggested that something like an internal fire, and not Spanish sabotage, caused the battleship to sink.
Still, the USS Maine remains one of the most revered shipwrecks in American history, with pieces of the vessel put on display at numerous memorial sites, including Arlington Cemetery, and the remainder of the ship ceremoniously laid to rest in the Straits of Florida.
