What role did the USS Maine play in the events leading up to the Spanish-American War?

The USS Maine played a pivotal role in escalating tensions between the United States and Spain, particularly through its sinking in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898. This tragic event resulted in the loss of over 260 American lives and served as a catalyst for public outrage against Spain, with many Americans believing that Spain was responsible for the explosion. The incident fueled war fervor and mobilized support for military intervention in Cuba, where the U.S. had interests due to the Cuban War of Independence against Spanish rule. The rallying cry "Remember the Maine!" became a slogan that galvanized public sentiment and increased calls for the U.S. to go to war, illustrating how the sinking of the ship directly influenced the decision to engage in the conflict known as the Spanish-American War.