Answer :
Final answer:
The USS Maine was likely not sunk by a Spanish mine as claimed, but by internal combustion triggered by stored fuel. Recent research indicates an accidental fire in the ship's coal bunker was the probable cause, leading to the U.S. declaring war on Spain and acquiring territories.
Explanation:
The best historical conclusion about the cause of the sinking of USS Maine is that the ship was likely not destroyed by a Spanish mine as initially claimed by yellow journalism but instead by an internal combustion involving its stored fuel.
Despite the speculation and sensationalism surrounding the incident, most recent historical research suggests that an accidental fire in the ship's coal bunker was the probable cause of the explosion.
This event led to the United States declaring war on Spain, resulting in the acquisition of territories and establishing the U.S. as a global power.
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