The text claims that "after 1898, the United States had become a world power". Back up that claim with facts.

Certainly! The assertion that the United States became a world power after 1898 is supported by several significant historical events and developments. Here's a detailed breakdown: ### 1. **Spanish-American War (1898)** - **Victory and Territories Acquired:** The United States' victory in the Spanish-American War marked a pivotal moment in its emergence as a global power. As a result of the Treaty of Paris (1898), the U.S. acquired territories beyond its continental borders, including: - **Philippines:** Provided strategic naval bases and access to Asian markets. - **Guam:** Enhanced American presence in the Pacific. - **Puerto Rico:** Strengthened the U.S. foothold in the Caribbean. - **Cuba:** Although technically independent, the U.S. held significant influence through the Platt Amendment. ### 2. **Annexation of Hawaii (1898)** - **Strategic Importance:** Hawaii's annexation provided the U.S. with a crucial naval base at Pearl Harbor, facilitating greater military and economic reach into the Pacific Ocean. - **Economic Benefits:** Monroe Plantation Islands and the sugar industry in Hawaii became economically significant for American interests. ### 3. **Construction of the Panama Canal (Begun in 1904)** - **Global Trade and Military Mobility:** The canal drastically reduced naval and commercial shipping times between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, enhancing the U.S.'s ability to project military power and facilitate international trade. ### 4. **Expansion of the U.S. Navy** - **Great White Fleet (1907-1909):** President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned a fleet of 16 battleships to sail around the world, demonstrating the United States' naval prowess and capability to operate globally. - **Naval Modernization:** Significant investments in modernizing the navy ensured that the U.S. maintained a dominant maritime force. ### 5. **Implementation of the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (1904)** - **Assertion of Regional Influence:** This policy declared the U.S. the "policeman" of the Western Hemisphere, justifying interventions in Latin America to stabilize the region and protect American interests. ### 6. **Economic Growth and Industrialization** - **Industrial Leader:** By the early 20th century, the United States had become one of the world's leading industrial nations, with significant advancements in technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure. - **Gross Domestic Product (GDP):** The U.S. rapidly increased its GDP, surpassing many European nations, indicating economic strength and global influence. ### 7. **Open Door Policy (1899-1900)** - **Access to Chinese Markets:** This policy aimed to ensure equal trading rights for all nations in China, preventing any single power from monopolizing trade and asserting the U.S.'s interest in Asian markets. ### 8. **Participation in International Affairs** - **Peacekeeping and Diplomacy:** The U.S. began playing a more active role in international diplomacy and peacekeeping, setting the stage for future involvement in global organizations and affairs. ### 9. **Cultural Influence** - **Media and Education:** American culture, including media, education, and innovation, began to exert significant influence worldwide, further solidifying its status as a global leader. ### 10. **Entry into World War I (1917)** - **Global Military Engagement:** While slightly after 1898, the U.S. entry into WWI underscored its role as a decisive military power on the global stage. --- These events collectively illustrate how, following 1898, the United States expanded its territorial holdings, enhanced its military capabilities, grew economically, and took on a more assertive role in international affairs—all key indicators of its emergence as a world power.