Activities: Guided Readings/Elementary
Remember the Maine!
“Remember the Maine!” rallied the United States into the SpanishAmerican War in April 1898. The USS Maine was a battleship that patrolled the
East Coast of the United States and the Caribbean. In January 1898, the ship was
sent to Cuba. Its sailors were to help protect American investments there.
Why did people shout, “Remember the Maine”? Why did the United States
send the Maine to Cuba? There was conflict in Cuba. Cubans loyal to Spain
attacked newspaper companies printing harmful articles about a Spanish general.
The United States did not want the rioting to get worse. The Maine remained in a
Cuban harbor ready and waiting. Just by being there, it helped to keep peace. The
sailors never needed to take action. However, the Maine was in danger.
On February 15, 1898, the Maine exploded and sank. Two hundred sixty-six
sailors died. Spain reported an ammunition explosion destroyed the ship. The
American report claimed a mine caused the explosion. Many Americans believed
Spain was responsible for placing the mine. “Remember the Maine!” became an
American rally cry.
American newspaper owners knew blaming the Spanish for the Maine’s
destruction would sell newspapers. They also knew that articles about war would
sell newspapers. Americans wanted revenge. Public demand pressed President
William McKinley to declare war on Spain. Government officials made speeches
about revenge. These strong speeches even made religious leaders call for war.
The Cuban riots became a civil war. President McKinley had to react to
public demand. On April 11, McKinley asked Congress to send troops to Cuba to
end the civil war. Americans wanted Cuba to be independent from Spain. This
angered Spain. Spain declared war on the United States on April 25, 1898.
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Activities: Guided Readings/Elementary
Name: __________________________
Date: ____________________
Remember the Maine!
Discussion Questions:
1. What was the USS Maine?
2. What was occurring in Cuba in 1898?
3. Why did the United States send the Maine to Cuba?
4. What happened on February 15, 1898?
5. Why did President William McKinley declare war on Spain?
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