What was one consequence of the Spanish-American War for the U.S.?

The outcome of the Spanish-American War in 1898 marked a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy and territorial expansion. One of the primary consequences of this conflict was the acquisition of several overseas territories by the United States. Following the war, the U.S. gained control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, which transformed the nation into an emerging global power with interests beyond its continental borders. This expansion was indicative of the country's new imperialist policies and its desire to assert itself on the world stage.

The war itself was sparked by a combination of factors, including concerns over Spanish colonial rule in Cuba and the explosion of the USS Maine, leading to a surge of nationalist sentiment and support for intervention. The successful outcome of the war not only resulted in territorial gains but also signified a shift away from isolationist tendencies that characterized prior U.S. policies. Thus, the acquisition of these territories was a pivotal consequence, as it established the U.S. as an influential player in international affairs and colonial endeavors.