Final answer:
The United States acquired new territories such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines as a direct consequence of the Spanish-American War, enhancing its global influence and trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
A direct consequence of the Spanish-American War was that the United States acquired new overseas territories, which included Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This expansion promoted trade with East Asia and the Caribbean, and marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to imperial power. These new acquisitions allowed the United States to increase its influence and control in strategically important regions, furthering its economic and military reach.