While one of the great ships of the American White Fleet was in Havana Bay, Cuba, people began to wonder about the reason for the 'blast. A few days later, the press was informed of the tragic accident, which could have been an attack on the United States. Once the press was involved, there was no doubt that it was an accident as the Yellow Press claimed it was an attack. The sinking of the USS Maine not only claimed the life of a member of the Great White Fleet, but also caused more than 250 casualties. Although the Maine tragedy could have sparked war, there were other reasons why the United States declared war. America disapproved of Spain and everything it did in Spanish-controlled territories. Not only was Spain destroying the territories it controlled, but it was contravening the Monroe Doctrine. It wasn't always bad things that made the United States invade Cuba, they also wanted to help them and even rule Cuba to some extent. Spain conquered territories all over the world. Although one of them made the United States more nervous than the others; Cuba. The United States feared that Spain would control territory so close to home. It was clear that it wasn't the best idea for an Eastern country to control something so close, so they kept a close eye on it. Once it realized its differences, the United States sent a Great White Fleet battleship, the USS Maine, to Cuba. Once Maine arrived, there was still some conflict between the two countries. After 2 weeks of arrival in the port of Havana in Cuba, the Maine was mysteriously destroyed by an explosion. As soon as the yellow press was informed, it pushed the idea that the explosion was an act of terrorism. This is supported in “Document A: New York Journal”. The New York Journa...... middle of paper ......ate wanted to be with "Document H: Miss Cuba Receives Invitation." This comic depicts how Miss Colombia represents the United States. Miss Colombia is very interested in Miss Cuba and wants her to join the Union. “Don’t you want to join the stars and become my forty-sixth?” » (Chicago, 1901) Most people like to believe that the sinking of the USS Maine was the reason the United States entered the war. These people are wrong. The sinking of the Maine was an accident and not an attack. There are other theories about the explosion and they are more reasonable than an attack on a heavily guarded ship. Maine is not the only reason the United States entered the war, even if it was an attack. The conflict could have started with disobedience to the Monroe Doctrine. The war could have started by trying to control the reconcentration camps. All the very possible reasons why the United States entered the war.