What event was the imminent cause of the war with Spain in 1898?

The destruction of the USS Maine served as a crucial catalyst for the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898. This incident occurred when the battleship mysteriously exploded while docked in Havana harbor, killing over 250 American sailors. The explosion evoked intense public outrage in the United States and was instrumental in galvanizing support for intervention in Cuba, where the United States was concerned about Spain's oppressive rule over the Cuban population.

American media outlets at the time, particularly those engaged in sensational journalism, framed the incident as an act of Spanish aggression, even though investigations later suggested that the explosion was likely caused by an onboard accident rather than an external attack. Nonetheless, the emotional response to the destruction of the USS Maine fueled calls for war, leading to President McKinley's request for military intervention in Cuba and ultimately resulting in Congress declaring war on Spain in April 1898. This series of events underscores how impactful the loss of the USS Maine was in shifting public opinion toward supporting a military response and embarking on a war that would have significant implications for both nations.