U.S.S. Maine ExplosionIt is clear that the start of the Spanish American War involved the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine. Tension between America and Spain began over Cuban independence, until an explosion occurred, resulting in war. The U.S.S. Maine was one of the country's first warships built by Americans. The ship arrived in Havana on January 24, 1898, and suddenly went up into flames. Two-hundred and fifty-two men were killed from a plan set up by the Spanish to attach a mine underwater to the bottom of the ship. 
Due to the tension, it is believed that the Spanish were the cause of this catastrophy.
Due to the tension, it is believed that the Spanish were the cause of this catastrophy.