Which was not a cause of the spanish-american war in 1898?
a. the sinking of the maine
b. yellow journalism
c. spanish cruelties in cuba
d. president mckinley's desire for war

It would be "b. yellow journalism" that was not a cause of the Spanish-American War in 1898, since the reporting that took place during this time was not necessarily heightened in terms of rhetoric. 

Spanish conquistadors demanded labour from natives.