How did the explosion of the battleship Maine contribute to the beginning of the

Spanish-American War?

A The Yellow Press reported that the cause of the explosion was guerrilla

activity by Cuban rebels.

B The newspaper reports about the explosion called it the worst insult to

the United States in its history.

C The report by the naval

board of inquiry about the explosion was used

to blame Spain for an attack.

D

The explosion prevented the United States from launching a naval

blockade of Cuba at Santiago harbor.

The correct response is Option C: The report by the naval board of inquiry about the explosion was used to blame Spain for the attack.

Explanation:

Although the naval board of inquiry report was unable to find any evidence of who was responsible for the destruction of the USS Maine on the 15th of February, 1898, they concluded that it was likely a submarine mine that then exploded two of the magazines on board the USS Maine. This was used as evidence that it must be Spain that was ultimately responsible as it was more likely they mined the harbor than the rebels. The newspapers in the U. S. also fueled the general opinion that Spain was being harsh and unjust in maintaining its colonial hold over Cuba.