Which ship's explosion heightened American sentiment for war against Spain?

The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in February 1898 significantly heightened American sentiment for war against Spain. This incident is often cited as a key event that pushed the United States toward involvement in the Spanish-American War. The Maine was sent to Cuba ostensibly to protect American citizens and interests during the Cuban War of Independence. When the ship exploded, killing over 250 sailors, it was widely reported in the American press, which played a critical role in stirring public outrage and rallying support for intervention. Sensationalist journalism, particularly from publications like those owned by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, blamed Spain for the explosion, even though the actual cause was unclear and later investigations suggested it could have been an accident rather than an attack. This incident created a rallying cry, "Remember the Maine!", which unified public sentiment in favor of war, effectively propelling the U.S. into military action against Spain.