The explosion of the USS Maine contributed to the beginning of the Spanish American War because the US press reported that Spain blew up this ship, resulting in the federal government declaring war on Spain.
Even though it has never been proven that the Spanish blew up the ship, yellow journalists of the time were quick to blame Spain without any proof. This caused many people in the US to change their mind about helping Cuba become free from Spanish control. After this attack, the US quickly declared war. The US would end up winning the Spanish American War and gaining territories like Guam and Puerto Rico.
