What specific event in Havana's harbor was the immediate catalyst for the United States declaring war on Spain?

The capture of American merchants by the Spanish navy.

A Cuban rebel attack on the American embassy.

The mysterious explosion of the battleship USS Maine.

The signing of a secret treaty between Spain and Germany.

The U.S. Navy's rapid victory in the Philippines was significant because it showed...

that the war would be a long and difficult struggle requiring many more troops than anticipated.

America's ambition to project its power globally.

the technological inferiority of American battleships.

a secret alliance between the U.S. and Filipino rebels had existed for many years.

It provided objective, fact-checked reports on Spanish military tactics.

It published sensationalized and exaggerated stories of Spanish cruelty, fueling public anger.

It focused on promoting peaceful diplomatic solutions between Spain and Cuban rebels.

It was a Spanish-funded propaganda campaign to improve Spain's image in America.