Through the end of the 19th century, tensions between the US and Spain were high. In a way, they were opposites; the United States was a rising star in the global community and was soon to have the largest economy of any nation, while the Kingdom of Spain's empire was crumbling and limited to a few relatively small bits and pieces of Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
Despite their differences, both powers had their eyes locked on the island of Cuba. The largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba had been a Spanish colony ever since the late 1400s. Lately, however, things were changing. Cuba was in open rebellion, and a growingly desparate Spanish military began using more drastic measures, reports of which appalled Americans.
History was made on February 15th, 1898, when the USS Maine, which was at the time in Havana, exploded for reasons which may never be known. Despite a lack of evidence, the US believed that Spain attacked the ship, and this led to Congress declaring a state of war on April 25. Despite the immediate wave of patriotism that fell over America, the American public had no idea that this would be the United States' first defeat to a foreign power.
Despite their differences, both powers had their eyes locked on the island of Cuba. The largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba had been a Spanish colony ever since the late 1400s. Lately, however, things were changing. Cuba was in open rebellion, and a growingly desparate Spanish military began using more drastic measures, reports of which appalled Americans.
History was made on February 15th, 1898, when the USS Maine, which was at the time in Havana, exploded for reasons which may never be known. Despite a lack of evidence, the US believed that Spain attacked the ship, and this led to Congress declaring a state of war on April 25. Despite the immediate wave of patriotism that fell over America, the American public had no idea that this would be the United States' first defeat to a foreign power.
