It was intended to protect American citizens who were in danger in the Cuban Revolution.
Explanation:
The US Maine was sent to Cuba to protect the interests of Americans there after a rebellion against Spanish rule broke out in Havana in January 1898. The vessel exploded and sank latter on the 15th of February, carrying 260 seamen to their deaths. Spain was vehemently accused for the incident, which induced the Spanish-American War. But a naval board of inquiry latter concluded that the its explosion was caused by a mine placed outside the ship.
