Ace the Caribbean History CXC Exam 2025 – Dive Into Your Island Legacy!

The sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, was a pivotal event that led to U.S. intervention in the Cuban War of Independence. This incident resulted in the tragic loss of 266 American lives and stirred public outrage in the United States. The explosion of the battleship was widely attributed to Spanish sabotage, though investigations have since suggested other possible causes. The U.S. media played a significant role in sensationalizing the event, which fueled fervent calls for action against Spain. This sentiment, fueled by the phrase "Remember the Maine," galvanized public support for military intervention and ultimately led to the declaration of war against Spain later that April. The incident was seen not just as an attack on U.S. military personnel but also as a symbol of Spanish oppression in Cuba, aligning with the U.S. interests in supporting the Cuban independence movement.

Other options, such as the assassination of a key leader or a false declaration of war, did not have the same direct impact or public resonance that the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine did. Similarly, although incidents involving American soldiers might have raised tensions, they did not prompt the widespread demand for intervention that the Maine incident did.