Answer: It was intended to protect American citizens who were in danger in the Cuban Revolution.
The USS Maine is known for having been lost in Habana Harbour on February 15, 1898. The ship was originally sent to the island in order to protect U. S. interests during the Cuban revolt against Spain. The ship blew up and sank, killing nearly three quarters of its crew. Although the cause of the sinking is unclear, popular opinion blamed Spain. This motivated the Spanish-American War later that year.
Several reasons.
Saw this crusade as a blessing from God.
Christians would stop fighting themselves.
Christians that would fight would go to heaven or be right with God.
To take back the holy lands, from the Muslims would be a righteous cause.
William M.Tweed was the leader of Tammany hall