Which event is associated with the start of the U.S. expansion as a world power?

The Spanish-American War is widely associated with the start of the U.S. expansion as a world power because it marked a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy and military capability. Fought in 1898, this brief conflict resulted in the United States defeating Spain, which allowed the U.S. to acquire territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This expansion not only showcased the U.S.’s military strength but also its willingness to engage in overseas imperial ambitions, reflecting a shift from continental expansion to a more assertive role on the global stage.

Following the war, the U.S. emerged as a colonial power, influencing events in the Caribbean and the Pacific. This was a crucial moment as it demonstrated the U.S.'s newfound interest and capability to exert influence beyond its borders, fundamentally altering its position in international politics. It set precedence for further interventionist policies in the 20th century, reinforcing its status as a world power, especially as it navigated through the complexities of global military and economic engagements thereafter.