What did newspaper headlines about the Spanish-American War most directly contribute to?

The sensationalism prevalent in newspaper headlines during the Spanish-American War, often referred to as "yellow journalism," played a significant role in swaying public opinion toward supporting military intervention against Spain. The media depicted shocking stories about the conditions in Spanish-controlled Cuba, particularly the suffering of the Cuban people and the explosion of the USS Maine. These dramatic portrayals ignited a wave of patriotic fervor among the American public, prompting widespread calls for the United States to take action.

As public sentiment grew in favor of intervention, pressure mounted on Congress to declare war. This led to the formal declaration of war against Spain in April 1898. Therefore, newspaper headlines directly contributed to rallying public support and influencing Congress’s decision to engage militarily, making this the most appropriate answer to the question regarding the impact of the media during this period.