Wreck of the Maine

Creator
Unknown

Context
This photograph of the wreck of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, Cuba, was taken in 1899.

Audience
The American public

Purpose
To document the sinking of the USS Maine

Historical Significance
This photograph of the sunken Maine was taken prior to President McKinley's announcement of war with Spain. The sinking of the ship—and the resulting publicity in the form of "yellow journalism"—formed a strong impetus for the nation to declare war.

Unknown, WRECK OF THE MAINE, HAVANA HARBOR, CUBA (1899). Courtesy of the Library of Congress.