What was the significance of the Treaty of Paris (1898)?

The Treaty of Paris in 1898 is significant primarily because it officially ended the Spanish-American War, a conflict that lasted for only a few months. The treaty resulted in Spain relinquishing control over its colonies, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, thereby marking a decisive moment in American imperial expansion. The acquisition of these territories signaled the United States' emergence as a global power and its willingness to engage in overseas territories. The treaty also set the stage for future U.S. involvement in international affairs, influencing both foreign policy and military strategies in subsequent years. This shift in power dynamics illustrates a pivotal change in the U.S.'s role on the world stage by transitioning from a nation primarily focused on its continental borders to one that extended its influence beyond them.