5. Which lands did the United States gain as a result of the Spanish-American War? a. Alaska and the Panama Canal b. Howland Island and Baker Island c. Hawaii and Midway Islands d. Guam. Puerto Rico, and the Philippines

The United States expanded its territories significantly after the Spanish-American War in 1898, particularly with the acquisition of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. This marked a pivotal moment in U.S. history when the nation emerged as a global power, asserting its influence beyond the continental borders and venturing into overseas territories. This newfound control over these territories also led to complex interactions with the local populations. For instance, while Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory, the Philippines experienced a bitter conflict as Filipinos fought for independence. These events helped shape U.S. foreign policy and the nation's identity in the 20th century!