What was the role of sensational journalism, or "yellow journalism," in the Spanish-American War?

Sensational journalism, commonly referred to as "yellow journalism," played a pivotal role in shaping public perception and stirring emotions around the issues leading up to the Spanish-American War. This form of journalism emphasized dramatic headlines, exaggerated stories, and emotional appeals, often focusing on atrocities and injustices purportedly committed by Spain in Cuba.

By portraying the Spanish authorities as brutal oppressors and emphasizing the plight of the Cuban people, yellow journalism effectively fueled public outrage and sympathy. The sensationalized accounts of events, such as the sinking of the USS Maine and the conditions in Cuban concentration camps, helped galvanize support for military intervention. In essence, this type of reporting created a climate of fervent nationalism and played a significant part in pressing the U.S. government to take action against Spain, leading to the outbreak of the war.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of yellow journalism's impact. For instance, the role of sensational journalism was not about providing in-depth analysis, nor did it primarily focus on economic aspects of the conflict, or simply promoting the government’s agenda without correlating public opinion. Its primary function was to shape a narrative that mobilized public sentiment towards war.