Spanish American War

Why did the United States take an intense interest in Cuba?

• Cuba was a major competitor in the sugar trade.

• Cuba was a significant source of raw materials for American industries.

• Cuba was geographically close to Florida and had a large Catholic population, including Americans.

• Cuba had recently discovered vast oil reserves that the US wanted to control.

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What was the immediate public perception regarding the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor?

• It was believed to be an accidental internal explosion.

• It was widely reported as an attack by Spain using a submarine mine.

• The cause was unknown, leading to widespread speculation.

• It was attributed to Cuban rebels attempting to draw the US into the conflict.

What term was used to describe the sensationalized and often thinly reported stories by the tabloid press that fueled anti-Spain sentiment?

• Muckraking journalism

• Investigative reporting

• Yellow journalism

• Propaganda press