To what extent was Cuba the primary cause of conflict between Spain and the USA in 1898?

The Cuban War for Independence (1895-1898) was a significant contributing factor to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. While other factors played a role, the situation in Cuba acted as a catalyst, inflaming tensions and ultimately pushing the United States towards intervention.

A key factor was the growing US desire to reduce European influence in the Caribbean and South America, as encapsulated in the Monroe Doctrine (1823). The doctrine, while initially disregarded by European powers, gradually became a cornerstone of US foreign policy. With Spain's continued presence in Cuba, directly contradicting the Monroe Doctrine's principles, the US felt increasingly compelled to assert its dominance in the region. The Cuban revolution provided an opportunity to do so under the premise of supporting a fight for freedom.

Adding fuel to the fire was the growing public sympathy in the US for the Cuban rebels. The Cuban struggle resonated with the American public, who saw parallels with their own fight for independence. Newspapers, particularly those owned by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, fueled public opinion through sensationalized accounts of Spanish atrocities, often exaggerated or fabricated, a practice known as "yellow journalism." This media frenzy created a climate of outrage and a desire for intervention.

Furthermore, US business interests were deeply concerned by the economic instability in Cuba caused by the ongoing war. American investments in Cuban sugar plantations and other industries were threatened by the conflict. The US government felt pressure from these business groups to intervene and restore stability, thereby protecting American economic interests.

The final trigger for the war was the sinking of the battleship Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898. While the exact cause of the explosion remains disputed, American newspapers immediately blamed Spain, further inflaming public opinion and creating an irresistible pressure for war. The cry of "Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain" became a rallying cry across the nation.

However, it is important to acknowledge other contributing factors. The late 19th century saw a surge in American imperialism, driven by a desire for new markets and global prestige. The Cuban situation provided the US with a convenient pretext to flex its muscles on the world stage and expand its influence. Additionally, the decline of the Spanish Empire presented an opportunity for the US to assert itself as a rising world power.

In conclusion, while other factors such as American imperial ambitions and the decline of Spain played a role, Cuba was undoubtedly the primary cause of conflict between Spain and the USA in 1898. The revolution, fueled by the desire for independence and fueled by American public opinion and business interests, provided the context and the spark for the war. The sinking of the Maine, regardless of its true cause, proved to be the final straw, pushing the US into a conflict it had seemingly been moving towards for some time.

**Source:**

*Smith, J. (2010). _The Spanish-American War: Conflict in the Caribbean and the Pacific, 1895-1902._ London: Routledge. *