In the late 1890s yellow journalism most directly influence the united states government decision to

The United States decision to declare war on Spain in 1898 was said to be a directly related to Yellow Journalism.

Explanation:

Yellow journalism is also known as sensational journalism. This is where newspapers do not report on facts and instead rely on headlines that employ a shock-factor in order to get people talking.

Such newspapers were common in the US and they can be compared to modern Tabloids, where most news is poorly researched if all and the real purpose is to make money.

In the 1890s, yellow journalism was so prevalent and influential, it was directly able to impact the US government's decision to go to war with Spain.