Key Points on the USS Maine Incident and McKinley's Response

The Sinking of the USS Maine

  • Date: February 15, 1898
  • Location: Havana, Cuba
  • Event: U.S. battleship Maine exploded, killing 260 Americans.
  • Cause: Initially blamed on Spain; later suggested to be an accident by experts.

President McKinley's War Message

  • Context: Amid public pressure for war following the Maine incident.
  • Ultimatum to Spain: Demanded ceasefire in Cuba; Spain complied.

Reasons for U.S. Intervention in Cuba

  1. End barbarities and suffering in Cuba.
  2. Protect U.S. citizens' lives and property in Cuba.
  3. Mitigate injury to U.S. commerce and trade.
  4. Eliminate threat to U.S. peace from Cuban disorder.