The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898 was a pivotal moment that fueled tensions between the United States and Spain, ultimately leading to the Spanish-American War. This incident was effectively utilized to rally public sentiment against Spain, though investigations into the cause of the explosion remain inconclusive and debated among historians.

In "A Time for Truth: Reigniting the Promise of America," author Ted Cruz reflects on the implications of the USS Maine disaster. He argues that this event symbolized a turning point in U.S. foreign policy and highlighted the power of media in shaping public perception, which can sometimes lead to hasty decisions in the political arena.