Why did the us go to war with spain.

http://www.google.com/search?aq=f&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=Why+did+the+us+go+to+war+with+spain

Read widely and take good notes.

The United States went to war with Spain in 1898 due to a combination of factors. The main reason was the sinking of the USS Maine, an American battleship, in Havana Harbor, Cuba. This event, which resulted in the death of 266 American sailors, created public outrage and fueled demands for war against Spain.

To understand why the USS Maine sinking led to the war, it is important to look at the context of the time. In the late 19th century, Spain was a declining colonial power that still held territories in the Caribbean, including Cuba and Puerto Rico. Cuba, in particular, had been struggling for independence from Spain for many years, and American public opinion sympathized with the Cuban independence movement.

The sinking of the USS Maine, which many believed was caused by a Spanish mine, served as a catalyst for the conflict. It stirred up patriotic sentiment among Americans and fueled calls for intervention in Cuba to protect American lives and interests.

However, it's worth noting that the sinking of the USS Maine was not the sole cause of the war. There were other underlying factors, such as America's desire to expand its influence and imperial ambitions, economic interests in the Caribbean, and the influence of the media in shaping public opinion.

To get a thorough understanding of the causes of the Spanish-American War, it is crucial to consult various sources such as history books, academic articles, and primary sources like newspaper articles from the time. By examining multiple perspectives and analyzing historical evidence, one can form a well-rounded view of the events leading to the war.