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

The significant outcome of the Spanish-American War was the seizure of Spanish colonies like Cuba and Puerto Rico. This conflict, which took place in 1898, marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy, transitioning from isolationism to a more interventionist approach in international affairs.

As a result of the war, the Treaty of Paris was signed in December 1898, which formally ended hostilities between Spain and the United States. This treaty stipulated that Spain relinquish its claims over Cuba and cede other territories, such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, to the United States. This acquisition allowed the U.S. to establish a more prominent influence in the Caribbean and Asia and catalyzed its emergence as a global power during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

While Cuba did gain a level of independence after the war, the United States maintained considerable control over its affairs, particularly through the Platt Amendment, which allowed for U.S. intervention in Cuban politics. Thus, although Cuba's independence is often highlighted, the direct and extensive acquisition of other territories reflects a more substantial outcome in the context of the war's legacy.