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What happened to the USS Maine on February 15, 1898?

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Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders — Spanish-American War Theodore Roosevelt leading the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War, 1898; print created by Kurz & Allison.

On February 15, 1898, the U.S. battleship Maine was destroyed by an explosion while anchored in the harbor of Havana, resulting in the deaths of 260 crewmen and officers.12

Following the incident, a U.S. Naval Court of Inquiry initially concluded that the ship had been destroyed by an underwater mine, leading to widespread suspicion of Spain. This narrative was heavily promoted by yellow journalism, particularly through newspapers that used the slogan "Remember the 'Maine,' to hell with Spain!" to influence public opinion and encourage U.S. intervention in the Cuban struggle for independence.132

However, a 1976 investigation by the U.S. Navy determined that the explosion was most likely caused by an internal fire that ignited the ship's ammunition, rather than by a Spanish mine or deliberate sabotage. This historical correction underscores the ethical necessity of prioritizing verified evidence over sensationalist narratives, especially when such reporting can influence national policy and public sentiment toward war.12