” The full flesh of The USS Maine before it was sunken.”
Background
The USS Maine was a United States Navy Warship that was set on a mission ordered by President McKinley to depart from Key West, Florida to Havana, Cuba in January of 1898. It was one of the United States’ first Warships while also being one of the strongest. Its mission was set to provide protection for United States interest during the Cuban War of Independence. This war happened after a rebellion against Spanish rule. The shipped held a total count of 355 crew officers. On the night of February 15, 1898, the United States warship, known as the USS Maine was suddenly blown up approximately at the time of 9:40 PM. The explosion killed a total of 266 people on board. The ship was at anchor resting along the Havana Harbor when the explosion took place.
Investigations
Investigations were put together by the McKinley Administration. They created a naval board to study and investigate the cause of the explosion. And on March 1st, 1898 the board unanimously came to a conclusion that the annihilation of the ship was caused “only by the explosion of a mine situated under the bottom of the ship at about frame 18, and somewhat on the port side of the ship.” It was discovered that the ship was exploded by a mine, which ended up removing the bottom frame from the ship, causing it to sink. The board stated that they were “unable to obtain evidence fixing the responsibility for the destruction of the MAINE upon any person or persons.”
Aftermath
While the blame of the explosion never came to a certain positive identification, Spain was in a bad place with the United States. Editor’s like William Randolph Hearst & Joseph Pulitzer published newspapers blaming Spain for the explosion which persuaded many people. However, while the blame of the incident was not directly put on Spain, much of Congress, along with the general public had in their minds that Spain was behind the whole attack. Citizens of the United States were outraged and ready for war. Taglines stating that Spain was the cost of 200+ American souls leaving left the President with no choice but to declare war on Spain.
“Aftermath from the explosions”
Declaring of War!
This, therefore, led to the declaration of war; The Spanish-American War. On April 25th, 1898 the United States formally declared war against the Cuban societies. In a matter of three months, the United States had defeated the Spanish military forces on both land and sea. The United States called a halt on all attacks against the Spanish forces. This war cost the United States $250 Million. The Spanish-American War marked the first American entry into world affairs. As a result, the United States took over the territories of Cuba, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Prior to the Spanish-American War, Congress had signed the “Teller Amendment,” which promised Cuban Independence. However, Congress also passed the “Plat Amendment,” which stated that Cuba was prohibited from signing peace treaties or contracting other debt with other nations. Besides the United States. The Amendment gave the United. States control over Cuba like the federal government has control over the state government in the United States.