Before the Spanish-American War, the United States was a relatively isolated nation, but Cuba’s fight to gain independence from Spain garnered sympathy from America and the mysterious sinking of the US battleship Maine pushed the young nation toward war and into world affairs. Engaging narrative enhanced by excerpts from primary sources and images will enthrall students as they learn about the events that led to the war, the important battles and military leaders, the outcome, and the legacy it has today.