On the night of February 15, 1898, the U.S. battleship Maine was ripped in half by an explosion in Havana harbor with the loss of 266 American lives. War with Spain followed nine weeks later. After a three-month fight on two fronts half a world apart, the era of isolation was gone forever, as the United States formed alliances and gained spheres of influence that would shape its destiny for decades to come. G. J. A. O'Toole depicts the sweep of events and also presents new findings on the mysterious mission of the Maine and on the part played by Washington in the expansion of the conflict.

"This means war!" --|t The pearl --|t Cuba libre --|t Marching as to war --|t Sixty-six days --|t Manila --|t A dream of spring --|t The armadas --|t To war --|t The road to Santiago --|t When heroes meet --|t Thunder on the sea --|t The honor of arms --|t Puerto Rico --|t Yellow Jack --|t The fall of Manila --|t Versions of peace --|t The white man's burden --|t The wake of the Maine.