Debate 1

Did the United States Become an Empire After the Spanish-American War? Author’s Name The Institutional Affiliation Course Number and Name Instructor Name Assignment Due Date Introduction Following the Spanish-American War, the US took a significant turn in its global posture and became an empire. Signed on December 10, 1898, the Treaty of Paris concluded the war and caused Spain to hand the United States dominion over Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam (Thurber, 2023). This growth was a strategic military victory and an obvious step forward for American imperialism in establishing its power over distant territories (Library of Congress, 2019). The United States changed drastically in its worldwide posture after the Spanish-American War and became an imperial power, acquiring territories, pursuing strategic and financial goals, and employing coercive means. Discussion Officially declaring war on Spain on April 25, 1898, after the sinking of the Battleship Maine in the port of Havana on February 15, 1898, the US began to gain ground. The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, ended this conflict and wrested from Spanish control whatever remained of their overseas possessions. These territories were then governed by the United States, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Guam, and others (Thurber, 2023). The Spanish-American conflict offers the general backdrop to this US period. Imperialism between 1898 and 1902 guaranteed US control in the Pacific. The US kept on expanding its control and celebrating its triumphs. While illustrating American expansionism, the conflict resulted in the annexation of Hawaii (Library of C...