This event lasted for such a comparatively short time that one might think it unworthy of a separate category, but the sinking of the battleship Maine drove the country to nationwide rage. The Spanish-American War had its battles and its heroes and the composers seized the opportunity to bring them to the front. The Rough Riders and Theodore Roosevelt were soon on the road to national and world prominence.

This short war sparked a song that was languishing until the soldiers and sailors took it up as their shout of victory, "There'll Be A Hot Time In The Old Town Tonight!" Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines were free and so were the hearts of their and our countrymen .