SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR
The war between the United States and Spain was a result of the Cubans fight to gain their independence from Spanish rule. The large American investments in Cuban sugar, anti-Spanish propaganda by yellow journalist, and the mysterious sinking of the American battleship the Maine, that was blamed on Spain all led to American intervention in Cuba and declare war on Spain. After the war Spain and U.S signed the treaty of Paris that led to the acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. After the war everyone including Americans recognized the United Sates as world power and this was the start of American imperialism.