Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:48:09-1:48:30

Why the loss of USS Maine is best read as an accident

An accidental explosion is more likely than a planned attack, and the cause remains separate from the political uses made of the disaster.

Live Q&ANaval HistorySpanish American WarUS NavyUSS Maine
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Question

What is the likeliest explanation for the loss of USS Maine in Havana?

Short answer

A serious accident is the likeliest cause; the disaster was politically useful, but that does not make it a planned attack.

Notes

An accidental explosion is considered the most likely explanation for the destruction of USS Maine in Havana. That judgment is separate from the event's political consequences. The loss proved useful to people advocating war, but usefulness after the fact does not establish that they planned the explosion.