USS Maine Explosion and Its Aftermath

In January 1898, the USS Maine arrived in Havana to protect American interests amid Cuban unrest. On February 15, the ship exploded, killing 266 men, and suspicion fell on Spain. Public pressure led to the U.S. declaring war on Spain in April 1898. The war ended with the U.S. gaining territories, but no evidence linked Spain to the explosion. A 1970s investigation concluded the explosion was an accident caused by a coal bunker fire.

Why did the USS Maine enter Havana Harbor in January 1898?

• To conduct a training exercise

• To engage in a naval battle with Spain

• To protect American lives and property

• To deliver supplies to Cuban revolutionaries

What was the primary reason for the USS Maine's presence in Cuba according to the US government?

• To engage in trade negotiations

• To conduct a scientific study

• To make a courtesy visit

• To establish a military base

What was the immediate consequence of the USS Maine explosion?

• The start of World War I

• The death of 266 men

• The signing of a peace treaty

• The annexation of Cuba by the United States

How did the American public react to the explosion of the USS Maine?

• They ignored the event

• They believed Spain was responsible

• They blamed Cuba for the incident

• They demanded a peaceful resolution

What role did the press play in the events following the USS Maine explosion?

• It fueled public anger against Spain

• It supported Spain's innocence

• It downplayed the incident

• It called for immediate peace talks

Which newspaper owner was quick to blame Spain for the USS Maine explosion?

• Thomas Edison

• Benjamin Franklin

• William Randol Hurst

• Joseph Pulitzer

What was the public's demand after the USS Maine explosion?

• A formal apology from Cuba

• Increased trade with Spain

• Declaration of war against Spain

• Immediate withdrawal from Cuba

What territories did the United States gain as a result of the Spanish-American War?

• Mexico and Canada

• Hawaii and Alaska

• Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam

• Cuba and Jamaica

What was the outcome of the 1970s investigation into the USS Maine explosion?

• It remained inconclusive

• It confirmed Spain's involvement

• It concluded the explosion was an accident

• It found evidence of sabotage by Cuba

What was the likely cause of the USS Maine explosion according to modern researchers?

• A spontaneous coal bunker fire

• A torpedo attack

• A lightning strike

• A deliberate act by the crew