New York Journal Front Page

Creator
William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal

Context
This headline—from the New York Journal's February 17, 1898, edition—left little doubt that the USS Maine had been sunk by Spaniards.

Audience
The readers of the New York Journal

Purpose
To sell newspapers and increase readership

Historical Significance
This is an important example of one of the first forms of "yellow journalism"—newspapers sensationalizing events with unproven information to sell papers.

New York Journal, FRONT PAGE WITH HEADLINE ABOUT USS MAINE SINKING (February 17, 1898). Courtesy of The Image Works.