On February 15, 1898, the battleship USS Maine exploded in Havana’s harbor in Cuba, killing nearly two-thirds of her crew. The tragedy occurred after years of escalating tensions between the United States and Spain, and the “yellow press” and public opinion were quick to blame Spain. While the sinking of the Maine was not a direct cause of the Spanish-American War, it did accelerate the breakdown in diplomatic relations between the US and Spain. “Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!” became a rallying cry.

The cause of the Maine’s sinking remains the subject of speculation. Suggestions have included an undetected fire in one of her coal bunkers, a naval mine, and sabotage to drive the US into a war with Spain.