American Outrage: The Explosion of USS Maine

How did American citizens react to the explosion that destroyed the USS Maine? What were the headlines in US newspapers? What did President McKinley demand?

What was the public sentiment following the USS Maine's explosion?

American citizens were enraged by the USS Maine's explosion, influenced by yellow journalism that blamed Spain, leading to the rallying cry 'Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!'

After the explosion of the USS Maine on February 15, 1898, American citizens were outraged and reacted strongly to the event. They were swayed by sensational headlines in U.S. newspapers, fueled by yellow journalism, which immediately blamed Spain for the tragedy. 'Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!' became a popular rallying cry. This outpouring of emotion influenced President William McKinley to order an investigation into the explosion and subsequently request $50 million from Congress to prepare for potential conflict. Congress swiftly passed the bill, leading to the Spanish-American War.

President McKinley demanding swift action and the headlines in the newspapers fueled the patriotic fervor of the American people, ultimately leading to a significant turn of events in U.S. history.