USS Maine (ACR-1) known for her loss in Havana Harbor on the evening of 15 February 1898. Sent to protect U.S. interests during the Cuban revolt against Spain, she exploded suddenly, without warning, and sank quickly, killing nearly three quarters of her crew. The cause and responsibility for her sinking remained unclear after a board of inquiry investigated. Nevertheless, popular opinion in the U.S., fanned by inflammatory articles printed in the "yellow press" by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, blamed Spain. The phrase, "Remember the "Maine!" To hell with Spain!", became a rallying cry for action, which came with the Spanish–American War
Bremen-class cruiser remained with the East Asia Squadron. "Hamburg", "Berlin", "Lübeck", and "Danzig" served in the reconnaissance forces of the High Seas Fleet after they entered service. "München" meanwhile was used as a torpedo test ship during her pre-war service. All seven of the ships saw action during the First World War, though only "Bremen" and "Leipzig" was lost during the conflict. "Danzig" was present during the Battle of Heligoland Bight in August 1914, but did not directly engage the British ships. She did, however, rescue survivors from the sinking cruiser . "Hamburg" was present for the raid on Scarborough, Hartlepool and