The USS Maine was an America battleship sent to Cuba’s capital on January 25, 1898.At 9:40 pm on February 15, 1898, the USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, killing over 260 men only 200 bodies were recovered and 76 identified. America was stunned.Many Americans blamed Spain for the explosion.
During the 1890’s, newspapers entered frenzied competitions for readers. In an attempt to outsell rivals,many newspapers began using large, attention grabbing headlines with exaggerated stories. This style ofreporting became known as yellow journalism.
When the Spanish American War began in 1898, Theodore Roosevelt was serving a highly regarded role as theAssistant Secretary of the Navy. Most Americans were shocked when Roosevelt announced he was resigning hisrespected post to volunteer to fight in the War. Roosevelt joined the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry. The cavalryincluded hunters, gamblers, cowboys, athletes, young college men, Buffalo soldiers and Native Americans. Thegroup would become known as Roosevelt’s Rough Riders.