Final answer:
The Spanish-American War resulted in the United States acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, and also demonstrated the U.S.'s military power, signaling its rise as a global empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
One major result of the Spanish-American War was the expansion of the United States' territorial possessions and the establishment of the country as a significant military power on the global stage. The defeat of Spain led to the acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and various other islands. While Cuba achieved independence in 1902, it remained under the influence of the United States for many years, highlighting the U.S.' emergence as an empire with the capability to project its military and economic power abroad.
The Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the war, involved terms where Spain ceded control of its colonies, some for compensation, like in the case of the Philippines which was bought for $20 million. This transition of power marked a pivotal shift in the balance of world power and the beginning of a new era of American imperialism.
The war itself, often termed "a splendid little war" by U.S. Secretary of State John Hay, saw its most important fighting at sea with the U.S. Navy decisively defeating the Spanish fleet. While the war had started ostensibly in support of Cuban independence, it ultimately served to significantly increase the geopolitical footprint of the United States.