What was the immediate cause of the Spanish-American War? 🔊
The immediate cause of the Spanish-American War in 1898 was the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor. Although the exact cause of the explosion was unclear, sentiment in the United States quickly turned against Spain, with many believing they were responsible. This incident intensified existing tensions over Cuban independence from Spanish rule and led to a declaration of war in April 1898. The ensuing conflict lasted a few months, resulting in a decisive victory for the U.S. and significant territorial gains, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
Equestions.com Team – Verified by subject-matter experts