What was the most significant outcome of the Spanish-American War?

The most significant outcome of the Spanish-American War was the emergence of the United States as a global power. This conflict, which occurred in 1898, was pivotal in transforming the U.S. from a nation focused primarily on domestic issues to one increasingly engaged in international affairs. Following the war, the United States acquired territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking a clear shift towards imperialism.

This newfound status allowed the U.S. to exert its influence not only in the Caribbean but also in Asia, showcasing its military and industrial capabilities. The war's outcome demonstrated the U.S.'s willingness to challenge established European powers and assert its interests on the global stage, fundamentally changing the balance of power and the dynamics of international relations in the years that followed.

While the fall of the Spanish Empire, the independence of Cuba, and the annexation of Puerto Rico were significant outcomes of the war, they primarily served as indicators of, or were secondary to, the larger narrative of U.S. expansion and its rise as a dominant global force. The war set the stage for the United States' role in subsequent international conflicts and engagements, establishing a new era in its foreign policy.