Answer:
a. By the addition of Spanish territories.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the ways in which the United States prepared for a world position was by the addition of Spanish territories. This was part of what is known as "New Imperialism" during the late 19th century. During these years, the United States expanded its possessions in various ways, particularly Spain's former colonies. This was encouraged by President Theodore Roosevelt in the wake of the Spanish-American War. One example of the consequences of this situation was the eventual Philippine-American War.