How did the spanish-american war contribute to the u. s. becoming a “colonial empire” or world power?

The Spanish-American War of 1898 settled the status of the United States as a Pacific power. U.S. success in the war allowed a peace treaty that compelled the Spanish to resign claims on Cuba, and to cede sovereignty over Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States. During the conflict, the United States annexed the independent state of Hawaii as well. Therefore, the war enabled the United States to secure its power in the Caribbean region and to seek its economic interests in Asia.

we can argue that appeasement caused world war ii because it allowed hitler and the nazis to build germany’s military power until it was strong enough to fight a major war. additionally, appeasement emboldened germany, making it think the allies would never have the will to fight. this made germany much more aggressive and encouraged it to take the steps that eventually led to war.