By 1898, the United States had acquired lands in the Pacific and Caribbean primarily through annexation and military victory, especially related to the Spanish-American War. Specifically:
- The Hawaiian Islands were annexed in 1898 after being an independent republic, marking a strategic acquisition in the Pacific
- The Philippine Islands were acquired from Spain following a military victory in the Spanish-American War of 1898; this was a purchase/transfer of sovereignty after the conflict
- Puerto Rico and Guam were also annexed as a result of the U.S. military victory over Spain in 1898, expanding U.S. presence in the Caribbean and Pacific respectively
These acquisitions were part of a broader U.S. expansionist policy that included maritime and military expansion, with the Spanish-American War serving as a pivotal event leading to control over former Spanish colonial territories in both regions
. In summary, by 1898, the U.S. had acquired Pacific and Caribbean lands mainly through annexation of independent or defeated territories and military conquest during the Spanish-American War. This included annexing Hawaii, and acquiring the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam from Spain
