The paper is from February 17, 1989 and the headlines are as follows: Inside the masthead of the paper is the headline “$50,000 Reward. Who Destroyed the Maine? $50,000 Reward.” Under the newspaper masthead, the main headline, “Destruction of the War Ship Maine was the Work of an Enemy,” stretches across the entire paper. Under the main headline, printed on both sides of the paper, is the identical sub-headline “50,000 Reward! For the Detection of the Perpetrator of the Maine Outrage!” Under each of these sub-headlines is an article but the print is so small, the reader cannot make it out. In the middle, under the masthead, and between the two identical sub-headings it the additional subheading, “Assistant Secretary Roosevelt Convinced the Explosion was not as Accident.” This is followed with the information “The Journal offers $50,000 Reward for the Conviction of Criminals Who Sent 258 American Sailors to Their Death. Naval Officers Unanimous that the Ship was Destroyed on Purpose.”
Using the image of the front page, identify the headlines that could be described as yellow journalism and explain how these headlines and their stories might have played a major role in U.S. involvement in the Spanish-American War.
The headlines that can be described as yellow journalism in this front page are "Destruction of the War Ship Maine was the Work of an Enemy," and "50,000 Reward! For the Detection of the Perpetrator of the Maine Outrage!"
Yellow journalism refers to sensationalist and exaggerated reporting that is aimed at attracting readership and stirring up emotions rather than providing factual and balanced news. In this case, the headlines insinuate that the destruction of the USS Maine, a U.S. warship, was the work of an enemy, without providing concrete evidence to support this claim. The offer of a $50,000 reward for the detection of the perpetrator further adds to the sensationalism and emotional appeal of the headlines.
This type of sensational reporting likely played a major role in influencing public opinion and shaping the political climate at the time. The sensational headlines and stories would have stirred up fear, anger, and a desire for revenge among the American public. This, in turn, could have pressured politicians and government officials to take strong action against the perceived enemy responsible for the destruction of the USS Maine.
The heightened tensions and public outcry fueled by yellow journalism may have played a significant role in pushing the United States towards war with Spain, ultimately leading to the Spanish-American War. The sinking of the USS Maine was a key event that precipitated the war, and the sensational reporting surrounding it likely played a role in shaping public opinion and government actions leading up to the conflict.