What was one of the primary motivations for the United States to engage in the Spanish-American War?

The primary motivation for the United States to engage in the Spanish-American War was indeed Cuban independence from Spain. The U.S. had strong economic interests in Cuba, and the burgeoning movement for Cuban independence drew significant attention from the American public. The plight of the Cuban people under Spanish colonial rule, along with sensationalized journalism known as yellow journalism, raised awareness and sympathy for their cause among Americans. This culminated in a desire to support Cuba's struggle for freedom, viewing it as an extension of American ideals of liberty and democracy.

Furthermore, the incident of the USS Maine explosion, which was attributed to Spanish actions, intensified calls for intervention. Many Americans felt that the United States had a moral obligation to help end Spanish oppression in Cuba. As a result, the war was characterized by a strong sentiment for Cuban liberation, marking it as a pivotal moment in both U.S. foreign policy and the broader quest for self-determination in the Americas.

The other options point to motivations that were less central to the initiation of the war. While securing trade routes in the Pacific became important, it was not the initial catalyst for conflict. The acquisition of territories in Africa did not occur during this period, as U.S. imperial interests were focused on the Caribbean and