Final answer:
The Spanish-American War demonstrated the significant influence of the media in shaping public opinion and the American government's decisions to engage in war, ultimately contributing to the United States' emergence as a global military power and imperial nation.
Step-by-step explanation:
An important conclusion that can be drawn as a result of the United States experience in the Spanish-American War is that the media are a powerful influence in shaping American public opinion toward war. The sensationalist reporting by newspapers, particularly those owned by William Randolph Hearst, swayed public sentiment and contributed to the outbreak of the war after the USS Maine explosion. The idea that only the President should decide issues of war and peace, or that international organizations play a decisive role in determining the outcomes of wars, were not the primary lessons from this conflict. Instead, it highlighted the influence of media in wartime decision-making and the eagerness of the U.S. to establish itself as a global military power.
During the war, President McKinley was influenced by public support for Cuban independence and the aspirations of US business interests, a sentiment that was at least partially created and certainly amplified by media coverage. While the Teller Amendment eased some concerns about American imperialism, the U.S. emerged from the war with new territories and a strengthened international presence, signaling the dawn of American imperialism.