The Spanish-American War played a significant role in shaping the emergence of the United States as a world power. One major way it did so was through the acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, which expanded American influence and control in the Pacific and Caribbean regions. Additionally, the war demonstrated the United States' military strength and its ability to project power globally, which helped solidify its position as a dominant player on the world stage. The war also marked a shift in American foreign policy towards imperialism and interventionism, setting the stage for future international engagements and the country's emergence as a superpower.
