What were the main outcomes of the Treaty of Paris following the Spanish-American War?

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1898, marked a significant turning point in American foreign policy and the outcome of the Spanish-American War. The main provisions of the treaty included the recognition of Cuban independence, which demonstrated a key goal of the United States to liberate Cuba from Spanish rule. Additionally, as part of the treaty negotiations, the United States acquired Puerto Rico and Guam, effectively extending American territory. Furthermore, the treaty stipulated the transfer of the Philippines to the United States for a payment of $20 million, highlighting America's new role as an imperial power. This combination of territorial gains and the establishment of a presence in the Pacific was crucial for the U.S. as it shaped its future foreign and military policies.

The other answer choices do not fully encompass the main outcomes of the treaty. While military bases in Cuba were later established, they were not a direct outcome of the treaty itself. Puerto Rico and Guam were not granted independence in the treaty; instead, they became territories of the United States. Additionally, while troop withdrawal from Cuba eventually occurred, it was not a direct outcome of the Treaty of Paris but rather part of subsequent developments in U.S.-Cuban relations. Thus, the correct answer reflects the comprehensive nature of the territorial changes