What was the most important effect of the Spanish – American War?(1 point) Responses The U.S. was able to completely expel Spain from the eastern hemisphere The U.S. was able to completely expel Spain from the eastern hemisphere The U.S. gained Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and Cuba, becoming an empire The U.S. gained Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and Cuba, becoming an empire The U.S. gained the right to exploit natural resources from Spain The U.S. gained the right to exploit natural resources from Spain The U.S. was able to extend its merging empire into newly acquired African countries
The most important effect of the Spanish-American War was that the U.S. gained territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, and also exerted control over Cuba, thus expanding its influence and becoming a global power with overseas colonies. This transition marked a significant evolution in American foreign policy, signifying the emergence of the United States as an empire with an increased role in international affairs. The phrase "becoming an empire" reflects this fundamental change in the U.S.'s geopolitical status following the war.
To clarify, Cuba technically became independent after the war, but the United States exerted significant influence over the island through the Platt Amendment, which allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs and also secured the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay.
The statement about the U.S. being able to completely expel Spain from the eastern hemisphere is inaccurate because Spain maintained a presence in Africa and other parts of the world even after the war. The option mentioning the right to exploit natural resources from Spain is less relevant compared to the territorial gains and the increase in geopolitical power. The statement about extending the U.S. empire into newly acquired African countries is incorrect, as the United States did not acquire African territories as a result of the Spanish-American War.