What role did the USS Maine play in the Spanish-American War?

The USS Maine played a critical role as a catalyst for U.S. intervention in Cuba, particularly due to its destruction in Havana Harbor in February 1898. The explosion of the battleship was widely publicized and sensationalized by the press, leading to public outcry for action against Spain, which held Cuba as a colony at the time. The rallying cry "Remember the Maine!" became a powerful slogan that galvanized public support and intensified calls for the United States to intervene in the Cuban struggle for independence from Spanish rule. This incident directly influenced President William McKinley's decision to ask Congress for the declaration of war against Spain, marking the official entrance of the U.S. into the conflict. The USS Maine incident thus exemplifies how a single event can shift public opinion and policy, leading to major military engagements.