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
Sinking of the RMS Lusitania war, privately struck a small run of medals as a limited-circulation satirical attack (fewer than 500 were struck) on the Cunard Line for trying to continue business as usual during wartime. Goetz blamed both the British government and the Cunard Line for allowing "Lusitania" to sail despite the German embassy's warnings. Popular demand led to many unauthorised copies being made. One side of the popular medal showed "Lusitania" sinking laden with guns (incorrectly depicted sinking stern first) with the motto ""KEINE BANNWARE!"" ("NO CONTRABAND!"), while the reverse showed a skeleton selling Cunard tickets with the motto ""Geschäft Über Alles"" ("Business