Virginius Affair leads to earlier Spanish American war

in 1873 the Virginius Affair happened between Spain & the US straining the relations bbetween them. what if the Affair turned into war between them?what could be big enough to lead to war? who had the better chance of winning? what consequences would there be? would any other country enter the war? If anyone has any opinions i'd really like to hear them.
 
The Spanish fleet was then superior to the US Navy. The US just came out from the ACW.

Easy Spanish victory. However it would be a good TL.
 
Depends on how determined the US is. The Spanish forces are probably bigger and better but I could see given enough time (2-3 years) the US outdoing them. I also think the US had better military leadership. If the war is short Spanish Victory, if long a US victory. Either way the US will be more prepared, militant and involved than OTL in the aftermath
 
Even with a successful war by Spain Cuba is still 90 odd miles off Florida, has profit potential and going to revolt sooner or later. American Imperialism is simply postponed and maybe mixed with Revanchism as I cannot see Spain inflicting a total victory on the US.
 
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