The outcome of the Spanish-American War in 1898 significantly expanded the United States' influence on the global stage. The war resulted in the defeat of Spain and culminated in the Treaty of Paris, which ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S. This victory not only marked the emergence of the U.S. as an imperial power but also prompted debates regarding colonialism and the responsibilities of the United States in its new territories. The war exemplified a shift in American foreign policy, embracing a more interventionist approach, and laid the groundwork for future U.S. involvement in global affairs.