Final answer:
The Spanish-American War of 1898 was fought between Spain and the United States, resulting in Cuban independence and marked the beginning of the U.S. as a colonial power with the acquisition of former Spanish territories.
Step-by-step explanation:
Spanish-American War of 1898
The war that began in 1898 between Spain and the United States and led to Cuban independence is known as the Spanish-American War. The conflict ensued largely to help free Cuba from an abusive Spanish government, with the U.S. reacting to the Cuban appeal for assistance. The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana harbor, blamed on Spain, and sensationalist press coverage pressured the U.S. into military action. After a series of naval victories, the U.S. compelled Spain to renounce its claim over Cuba and ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States, marking an end to the Spanish Empire and the emergence of the United States as a colonial power.
During the war, the most significant fighting occurred at sea, with the U.S. Navy overpowering the Spanish fleet. The Platt Amendment, which allowed U.S. intervention in Cuban affairs, was a consequence of the war, highlighting the complex nature of Cuba's 'freedom'. This period marked a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy and the beginning of its role as a global power.