1. Some Americans supported Cuban independence because they wanted to keep the plantations and mills they owned on the island.

2. Some Americans felt that Cuba’s struggle for independence was a little like the American Revolution

3. The U.S.S. Maine exploded in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898 killing 260 seamen

4. Yellow Journalism increased at this time as newspaper published exaggerated reports about how the Spanish treated Cubans

5. Causes of the Spanish-American War

6. 1.Protection of American business interests in Cuba

7. 2.American support of Cuban rebels to gain independence from Spain – Thought it was similar to the American Revolution

8. 3.Rising tensions as a result of the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor – U.S.S. Maine had been sent to protect Americans in Cuba – On the night of February 15, 1898, it mysteriously exploded

9. – American newspapers blamed Spain and many called for war shouting “Remember the Maine!” – Congress declared war on Spain on April 25, 1898

10. 4.Exaggerated newspaper reports of events  yellow journalism