The American ship that sank during the Spanish-American War, prompting the U.S. to declare war, was the USS Maine. The ship exploded in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, resulting in the deaths of 266 sailors. The incident stirred public sentiment and fueled media outrage, largely driven by yellow journalism, leading to calls for intervention in Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain. The rallying cry of "Remember the Maine!" became a catalyst for U.S. involvement in the war, ultimately resulting in a swift victory over Spain and significant territorial gains for the U.S., including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.