USS Maine, entering Havana Harbour in Cuba, in January 1898. This US Navy steamship was sent to Cuba to quell local unrest and protect American interests. A few weeks later, on 15 February 1898, an explosion sunk the ship, killing 266 of the crew. It was claimed that a naval mine had caused the ship's stored explosives to ignite, but the cause of the explosion has caused controversy ever since. The sinking of this ship was one of the factors that led to the Spanish-American War, which was fought over Spain's American colonies from April to August 1898. Following the war, US forces occupied Cuba until 1902. The harbour lighthouse is seen at upper right, with the harbour wall at centre left. Local boys are seen sitting on rocks in the sea at lower right. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/US ARMY)
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