The Spanish–American War was a ten-week conflict during the spring and summer of 1898. Cuba had been waging a war of independence against Spain since 1895, an effort largely supported by the United States, which had extensive economic interests on the island. To ensure the safety of American citizens and property in Cuba, the United States sent the battleship to Havana in late January 1898. The "Maine" exploded and was destroyed with large loss of life on February 15, and Spain and the U.S. declared war on each other on April 25.