a war fought between the US and Spain in 1898. The US had promised to recognize the right of Cubans to be independent from Spain. When in 1898 the US warship Maine exploded in Havana harbour and sank with 260 deaths, the US blamed Spain and both nations soon declared war. The US won easily, and the Treaty of Paris ended Spanish rule in Cuba, giving the US Puerto Rico , Guam and the Philippines. After this victory, the US came to be recognized by other countries as a world power.
See also Rough Riders .