Background information: This song was quickly written and published between the sinking of the Maine on February 15, 1898, and the US declaration of war two months later. Eagle soar on high, and sound the battle cry! How proudly sailed the warship Maine, A Nation's pride, without a stain! A wreck she lies, her sailors slain. By treacherous butchers, paid by Spain! Eagle soar on high, And sound the battle cry Wave the starry flag! In mire it shall not drag! —Marie Elizabeth Lamb "Awake United States!" 1898 What is the main purpose of this song? to imply that the explosion could have been an accident to encourage citizens to support investigations to discourage support for a war to increase American patriotism after the explosion