During the Spanish-American War, what territory did the U.S. gain that was significant for military strategy?

The U.S. gained Guam during the Spanish-American War, making it a significant acquisition for military strategy. Guam's location in the western Pacific made it a key naval base for the United States. Following the war, it served as a coaling station and a critical point for American naval operations in the Pacific, providing a strategic advantage in trade, military maneuverability, and overall presence in the region. This acquisition was part of a larger expansionist policy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where the U.S. sought to strengthen its foothold in both the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Other territories listed have distinct historical significance but are less relevant in the context of the Spanish-American War and its immediate military strategy. For instance, while Hawaii later became a crucial base for American military operations, it was not acquired until 1898, after the war. The Phoenix Islands and American Samoa also do not play as pivotal a role in the context of military strategy following the war, compared to the strategic importance of Guam.