12. Explosion of the USS Maine (1898)
On February 15, 1898, the American battleship USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, Cuba, resulting in the deaths of over 260 sailors. The exact cause of the explosion remains uncertain, with investigations suggesting possibilities ranging from an external mine to internal combustion of coal igniting the ship’s ammunition. This incident significantly heightened tensions between the United States and Spain, contributing to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. For more detailed information, refer to the Naval History and Heritage Command’s account of the explosion. (history.navy.mil)
