The Spanish-American War cannot be directly attributed to a single cause. Rather, it was the result of a combination of pre-war events and the spark that ignited our intervention in that conflict. This article will trace the reasons for the involvement of the United States in this war. United States participation in this war was a signal to the rest of the world that the United States was ready to become a world power. By possessing one of the best naval fleets from the start of the war, the United States sent a message to the rest of the world that it was ready and able to become more involved in foreign affairs. However, it is important to question the importance of each cause that led the United States to declare war on Spain and come between itself and Cuba. Long before our involvement, Cubans had led revolts and revolutions against Spain. The Spanish Empire considered Cuba its jewel, not only for its beauty but also for its economy. Cuba's main source of income came from its vast sugar plantations which contributed greatly to its wealth (even more so to that of the Spanish Empire). Ironically, even because of the high regard placed on Cuba, it was neglected and oppressed as the Spanish Empire began its decline in the mid-19th century. The Empire fell because it slowly lost control of its territories, closer to the United States and then to Spain, due to lack of industrialization. The Spanish would claim ownership, but would never contribute their land. This opened the door to what is known as the 10 Years' War and the struggle for Cuban independence. The United States never became directly involved, but it sympathized greatly with the Cuban cause, because ... middle of paper ... the war effort highlights an important fact. The majority of the American people knew how they wanted to respond, and it was the government's lack of listening and action that led to their slow involvement. The explosion of the USS Maine was the most significant cause, as it was the precipitating cause. When you look for causes, the main one that will come up will be the USS Maine, not only because it was the one right before we declared war, but also because it was the one that got the government to pay attention to this what the people wanted. This was the spark that ignited the public's emotional response and the government's military response. This is due to the increase in our naval power and the subsequent demise of the Spanish Empire. McKinley was no longer under pressure from the people, but was responding to an attack on his nation with a response that was sorely needed...