Use the text below to answer the question:
The people of Cuba were desperate for independence from Spain. Cubans had already fought a revolutionary war. The Ten Years War ended in 1878. Spain promised that Cuba would have more representation in Spain’s government. Over the next 15 years, American investors invested in Cuban sugar and tobacco plantations. Cuba and the United States developed a strong economic relationship. In 1895, Cubans began to revolt against Spanish rule. The U.S. government wanted to protect Americans’ plantation investments. William McKinley was President at the time. He sent a battleship, the USS Maine, to remind the Spanish of America’s power. On February 15, 1898, the Maine exploded, killing 261 sailors and officers. No one really knew what caused the explosion. However, newspapers in the United States blamed the Spanish government. They viewed it as an act of war. In April 1898, Congress officially declared war against Spain. The United States still had not completely recovered from the Civil War. They had to ask volunteers to help in the Spanish-American War. Colonel Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt organized a group of cowboys, ranchers, and college athletes. They were called the Rough Riders. A cavalry unit of African Americans called the Buffalo Soldiers joined in the fight. Roosevelt led both groups to victory in the Battle of San Juan Hill. Two days later, the U.S. Navy destroyed the Spanish squadron near the city of Santiago. Cuba and Puerto Rico fell under the control of the United States.
Based on the text provided, why was the United States concerned about a revolt in Cuba in 1895? Choose the BEST answer.
Cuba was a colony of the United States.
They feared the Cubans might invade Florida.
President McKinley was visiting when the revolt began.
American businesses had investments in sugar and tobacco plantations.