The Spanish- American War: Causes

Spain was fighting a guerrilla war, and had started using a Reconcentration Policy in order to sort the good from the bad. Unfortunately, Spanish colonists were herded into little rooms with bad food, clothing and shelter.

A large portion of the Cuban sugar plantations were also American, so the Spanish American War protected American economic interests. Also, "Yellow Journalism", or newspapers featuring highly exaggerated stories, also helped promote and begin the war.

However, what truly sparked the Spanish- American war was the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor, Cuba. Americans across the country believed that it was Spain's fault. But, later investigation proved that the hull blew out by itself.