How many sailors died in the sinking of the USS Maine?

The sinking of the USS Maine, which occurred on February 15, 1898, in Havana Harbor, was a pivotal event leading up to the Spanish-American War. The explosion of the USS Maine resulted in the deaths of 266 sailors. This number has been established through historical records and is widely agreed upon by historians studying this incident.

The wreck of the Maine was a significant event in American history, as it stirred public sentiment against Spain and contributed to the push for war. Understanding the number of casualties is important in grasping the impact of this tragedy, as it influenced public opinion and governmental policy at the time. This tragic event is often remembered in discussions about imperialism and the role of media in shaping political outcomes during this period in U.S. history.

Other options present figures that do not accurately reflect the documented losses, highlighting the specificity of historical data in the context of military events.