What was the primary cause of the Spanish-American War?

The primary cause of the Spanish-American War was U.S. intervention in the Cuban War of Independence. During the late 19th century, Cuba was fighting for independence from Spanish colonial rule, and the conflict drew significant attention from the United States. Many Americans were sympathetic to the Cuban struggle, influenced by a combination of humanitarian concerns and economic interests, particularly regarding American investments in Cuba’s sugar industry.

The U.S. media, through sensationalist journalism, known as "yellow journalism," helped to fuel public opinion against Spain, portraying Spanish actions as brutal and oppressive. This media portrayal, along with the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898, led to increased calls for intervention. The combination of public sentiment, the strategic interests of the United States, and the desire to curb European colonial powers in the Americas culminated in a declaration of war against Spain.

As a result, the war marked a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy, establishing the country as a global power with territorial possessions beyond its continental borders. This intervention was emblematic of the U.S. expansionist mentality of the era, contrasting sharply with the options concerning conflicts in Europe, Mexico, or Africa, which did not play a direct role in igniting