What was a significant consequence of the Spanish-American War?

The significant consequence of the Spanish-American War was the expansion of U.S. territorial claims overseas. Following the conflict in 1898, the United States emerged as a global power with new territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This shift marked a pivotal moment in American history, as it reflected the country's growing imperial ambitions and its move beyond continental expansion to overseas territories. The war signaled a transition in U.S. foreign policy, where the United States took on a more proactive and interventionist role on the world stage, influencing politics and economies in various regions, particularly in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

The option referencing the end of colonialism in the Americas does not accurately reflect the aftermath of the war, as it facilitated a form of American colonialism instead. The establishment of the League of Nations is unrelated because this organization was created after World War I, not linked to the events of the Spanish-American War. Lastly, while Cuba did experience a form of decolonization and gained independence, the U.S. retained significant influence over Cuban affairs through the Platt Amendment, undermining the notion of full decolonization in the context of the war's consequences.