15 févr. 1898 - USS Maine explosion
Description:
The ship the USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, Cuba. The ship was docked there due to the Cuban revolt taking place against Spain. The exact cause of the explosion is unknown. An 1898 naval board appointed by the McKinley Administration found that it was due to a mine explosion. However, there is more evidence that the incident arose due to an internal coal fire that ignited the Maine's magazines, which created the explosion. Nevertheless, the event was heavily politicized. Cuba believed the ship was deliberately blown up by the US in order to manufacture a reason for a war against Spain. The American sensationalist "yellow press" pushed the notion that it was an unprovoked attack by Spain, though they did not provide a clear motive. Regardless of its cause,the McKinley Administration used the destruction of the Maine to declare war on Spain, leading to the Spanish-American War.
Casualties:
261 USS Maine crewmen (officers, sailors, Marines)
1 ship
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