Answer:
The correct answer is B - the annexation of Guam by the United States - but I can see why this question can be tricky!
Step-by-step explanation:
Let's go through all the options:
A:The annexation of Spain by the United States - this is not correct. The war was waged in Spanish colonies. It did not directly affect Spain's territory in Europe, and Spain survived as an independent country. That being said - the war made it clear that they are no longer an empire.
B:The annexation of Guam by the United States - This is the one! Guam was one of Spanish colonial territories that was surrendered following the war, and United States took it over as their unincorporated territory. Unincorporated here means that the people living on Guam did not get the same rights that US citizens normally do.
C:A Cuba free of direct influence by the United States - not correct. While the treaties ending and following the war made Cuba an independent country on paper - their consitution reserved the rights for the US to oversee their finances and foreign politics.
D:The independence of Philippines - not correct; while Spain had to surrender Philippines - it became dependent of the United States. There were effort to make Philippines an independent country at that time, but they did not succeed.