What was the main cause of the Spanish-American War?

The main cause of the Spanish-American War was the explosion of the USS Maine and America's support for Cuban independence. The USS Maine, an American battleship, exploded in Havana Harbor in February 1898, which stirred significant outrage among Americans and led to calls for military intervention. The explosion was attributed to an external attack, although the true cause was later determined to be an accidental fire.

At the same time, there was strong public and political support in the United States for the Cuban struggle against Spanish colonial rule. The push for Cuban independence resonated with the American ideals of democracy and freedom. This combination of the desire to support Cuban independence and the shock over the USS Maine incident galvanized public opinion and propelled the U.S. government to declare war on Spain in April 1898.

This situation marked a turning point as it reflected the growing American imperial ambitions, ultimately leading to the U.S. acquiring territories from Spain and establishing itself as a significant world power.