Victory in the Spanish American War made the U.S. a nation with global interests. In one brief clash of arms the U.S. acquired Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippine Islands from Spain. In addition, Cuba was granted indepeneence, with Spain assuming its national debt. Many Americans were appalled by the new U.S. foreign policy, which they equated with imperialism. Andrew Carnegia, the steel magnate and philanthropist, offered to buy the Philippines for $20,000,000 and give the country its freedom. Many other Americans, however, talked of manifest destiny and the duty of the U.S. to spread its form of civilization far and wide.
April 24 - The Spanish American War officially began when Spain declared war on the U.S. The following day Congress passed a declaration of war, effective April 21.
Carruth, Gorton. "The Encyclopedia of American Facts and Dates". 10th Ed. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. ©1997.