THELEARNINGNETWORK: “Feb. 15, 1898 | U.S. Battleship Maine Explodes in Havana Harbor”

On Feb. 15, 1898, the U.S. battleship Maine blew up in Havana Harbor, killing 260 crew members. The episode escalated tensions between the United States and Spain and contributed to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War two months later.
The New York Times reported, “As yet the cause of the explosion is not apparent. The wounded sailors of the Maine are unable to explain it. It is believed that the battleship is totally destroyed. The explosion shook the whole city. The windows were broken in nearly all the houses.”
The Maine was stationed in Havana as a symbol of U.S. support of the Cuban independence movement. Due in part to U.S. pressure, Spain had agreed to grant Cuba limited autonomy beginning Jan. 1, 1898. Later that month, riots broke out in Havana involving Cuban rebels and Spanish forces, and U.S. President William McKinley ordered the Maine to Havana in mid-January to protect U.S. business and military interests.