Question

multiple - choice question
what role did yellow journalism play in the spanish - american war?
it exaggerated and fabricated stories, swaying public opinion toward war with spain
it provided unbiased reporting, leading to peaceful resolutions
it supported spanish efforts to retain control over cuba
it downplayed the importance of the uss maine explosion

Explanation:

Yellow journalism is known for sensationalized, exaggerated, and sometimes fabricated news. During the Spanish - American War context, it aimed to influence public opinion. Unbiased reporting (second option) is contrary to yellow journalism's nature. Supporting Spanish efforts (third option) doesn't fit as yellow journalism was more pro - American in pushing for action. Downplaying the USS Maine explosion (fourth option) is also incorrect as yellow journalism often used such events to stir up war sentiment. The first option aligns with yellow journalism's tactics of exaggeration and fabrication to sway public opinion towards war.

Answer:

It exaggerated and fabricated stories, swaying public opinion toward war with Spain.