What event triggered the United States' decision to declare war in the Spanish-American War?

The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor is the event that triggered the United States' decision to declare war in the Spanish-American War. This incident occurred on February 15, 1898, when the battleship Maine mysteriously exploded while anchored in the harbor. The explosion resulted in the deaths of 266 American sailors and caused widespread outrage in the United States. This event fueled public sentiment against Spain and was sensationalized by the press, leading to calls for military intervention.

The explosion was interpreted as an attack by Spain, even though investigations later suggested it could have been caused by an accident on the ship. The cry for "Remember the Maine!" became a rallying cry for those advocating for war, and it contributed significantly to the U.S. Congress’ decision to declare war on Spain on April 25, 1898. Thus, the sinking of the Maine served as the tipping point that transformed growing tensions over Cuba's struggle for independence and American interests in the region into a declaration of war.