The Spanish-American War cannot be directly attributed to a single cause. Rather it was the result of the combination of pre-war events and the spark that ignited our intervention in this conflict. This article will trace the reasons for the involvement of the United States in this war. The participation of the United States in this war was a signal to the rest of the world that the United States was ready to emerge as a world power. By having one of the best naval fleets at the beginning of the war, the United States sent the message to the rest of the world that the United States was ready and able to become more involved in foreign affairs. However, it is important to question the importance of each cause that led the United States to declare war on Spain and come between itself and Cuba. Long before our involvement, Cubans had led revolts and revolutions against Spain. The Spanish Empire considered Cuba its jewel, not only for its beauty but also for its economy. Cuba's main source of income came from its extensive sugar plantations which contributed greatly to its wealth (especially the wealth of the Spanish Empire). Paradoxically, partly because of the high regard it held for Cuba, Cuba was neglected and oppressed when the Spanish Empire began its decline in the mid-19th century. The Empire was falling as it slowly lost control over its territories, closer to the United States than Spain, due to a lack of industrialization. The Spanish would claim ownership, but would never contribute to their land. This opened the door to what is known as the 10 Year War and the fight for Cuban independence. The United States was never directly involved, but was very sympathetic to the Cuban cause, because... halfway through the document... the war effort highlights an important fact. Most of the American people knew how they wanted to respond, and it was the government's lack of listening and action that caused the slow turnout in participation. The explosion of the USS Maine was the most important cause because it was the trigger. When you research the causes, the main one that comes up will be the USS Maine, not only because it was the one right before we declared war, but the one that got the government to pay attention to what the people wanted. This was the spark that ignited the public's emotional response and the government's military response. This is attributed to our increase in naval power and the subsequent demise of the Spanish Empire. McKinley was no longer under pressure from the people, but was responding to an attack on his nation, with a much-needed response..