USS Maine Explosion and Its Impact

On February 15, 1898, the USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, killing 266 American sailors. The incident heightened tensions between the US and Spain, leading to the Spanish-American War. Initial investigations blamed a Spanish mine, but later studies suggested a coal fire might have caused the explosion. The true cause remains unknown, but the event highlighted the power of media and nationalism in shaping public perception and policy.

What was the USS Maine doing in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898?

• Engaging in battle with Spanish forces

• Symbolizing American strength during Cuban unrest

• Transporting American citizens back to the US

• Conducting a routine training exercise

What was the primary reason for the USS Maine being in Havana Harbor?

• To conduct naval exercises

• To engage in combat with Spanish forces

• To protect American interests and citizens

• To deliver supplies to Cuban rebels

What time did the explosion on the USS Maine occur?

• 8:30 p.m.

• 9:40 p.m.

• 10:15 p.m.

• 11:00 p.m.

What was the immediate reaction of the American public to the USS Maine explosion?

• They blamed the Cuban rebels

• They suspected an internal accident

• They accused Spain of foul play

• They believed it was an act of God

What was the rallying cry that emerged in the US following the explosion?

• To the Shores of Tripoli

• For God and Country

• Remember the Maine

• Remember the Alamo

How did the explosion of the USS Maine impact US-Spain relations?

• It pushed the nations closer to war

• It led to immediate peace talks

• It had no significant impact

• It caused a temporary ceasefire

Which of the following was NOT a theory about the cause of the USS Maine explosion?

• An accidental coal fire

• American sabotage

• A Spanish mine

• An American torpedo

What did the official US Naval Court of Inquiry conclude about the cause of the explosion?

• It was caused by a Spanish mine

• It was an act of American sabotage

• It was due to an internal coal fire

• It was a natural disaster

Which investigation suggested that an internal explosion was the more likely cause of the USS Maine disaster?

• The 1998 centennial study

• The 1974 investigation

• The 1901 Congressional review

• The initial 1898 investigation

What does the legacy of the USS Maine incident highlight?

• The superiority of American technology

• The inevitability of war

• The fragility of peace and the power of the press

• The importance of naval power