The Spanish–American War took place from April to August 1898. As the name would imply, the conflict was between Spain and the United States over issues surrounding the liberation of Cuba. The war gradually developed when Spain rejected demands made by the United States towards a resolution in the Cuban fight for independence.
As the revolution in Havana escalated, the United States sent the USS Maine to Cuban waters on January 25, 1898, in an effort to further demonstrate its interest in the revolt. After less than one month, the USS Maine sank after a huge explosion that killed 266 men in Havana Harbor. The American inquiry found that the explosion was caused by a mine; however, recent investigations have led people to believe that the disaster was caused by an explosion related to a coal storage bunker aboard the ship.
On April 20, 1898, President McKinley signed a joint resolution that demanded Spain withdraw from Cuba, and further authorized the president to use as much military force as he thought necessary to help Cuba gain independence from Spain. As a result, Spain ceased diplomatic relations with the United States and declared war on April 25, 1898. In response Congress declared that a state of war between the United States and Spain had existed since April 21, 1898.
The war raged in the Caribbean region until a Protocol of Peace between the United States and Spain was signed on August 12, 1898. The final treaty was signed in Paris on December 10, 1898.
