Final answer:
The Spanish-American War expanded US power in Asia, as the victory over Spain in the Philippines established the United States as a significant military force with strategic naval bases. The war signified a shift to global expansionism for the U.S., impacting its role in international politics and colonial administration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of the Spanish-American War on US Power in Asia
The Spanish-American War marked a transformative period for the United States and its influence in Asia. With victory in the Philippines following the destruction of the Spanish fleet by Commodore George Dewey in the Battle of Manila Bay, the U.S. quickly became a formidable force in the region. This monumental win at sea and the subsequent control over various Pacific territories showed the international community that the U.S. was now a significant military power with strategic holdings in Asia.
The acquisition of territories in the Pacific, including the Philippines, Guam, and smaller islands, provided the U.S. with important naval bases, fulfilling the long-desired strategic goal to extend military reach and support increased commerce, especially with China. The war showcased the effectiveness of America's naval capabilities and propelled the U.S. into a new era of international politics, influence, and imperialism. Although Cuba gained independence, it, along with Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, became part of the American sphere of influence, raising questions about the extension of democratic ideals and the realities of colonial rule.
Moreover, the transition of the Philippines from Spanish to American control illustrated a shift in U.S. foreign policy, from focusing on the Western Hemisphere under the Monroe Doctrine to embracing global expansionism. The war thus had a major impact on U.S. power dynamics in Asia, shaping the role the nation would play in international affairs for the coming century.