What impact did the explosion on thr Maine have on thr relations with Spain?

The explosion on the USS Maine in February 1898 significantly escalated tensions between the United States and Spain, leading to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. Although the cause of the explosion was unclear, sensationalist journalism in the U.S. blamed Spain, rallying public sentiment against the Spanish government. This incident fueled calls for intervention in Cuba, ultimately resulting in a declaration of war and a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards a more imperialist approach. The conflict marked a turning point, leading to Spain's defeat and the loss of its colonial empire.