The U.S. warship Maine broke out in Havana and the United States accused Spain of "aggression." 266 sailors died. Although it is known today that it was an accident, the United States declared war and entered the Cuban War of Independence. Spain was easily defeated and the Paris Pact caused the Spanish Empire to "lose" almost all colonies: Cuba proclaimed independence and the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico were handed over to the United States. The United States was beginning to develop an imperialist foreign policy and Spain entered into a serious political, social and economic crisis.