The USA expanded its influence between 1890 and 1914 by imperialism. Within that perior, Hawaii was annexed to its states and the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam were also annexed after the Spanish-American war. That war also had the consequence of liberating Cuba from the Spanish oppression. The acquisition of such colonies was due to the fact that new lands from which to get raw materials were needed. Besides, there appeared the need to sell their products overseas.