To begin with, the 19th century is considered as an “Age of Imperialism,” when powerful states began to expand their territories. In 1898, Spanish loyalists resented American interference in Cuba’s politics, leading to the war. According to Bailey (1991), in 1898, the USS Marine sat anchored in Havana Harbor, ready to fight military conflict between the states. It is necessary to state that before the 19th century, the United States did not consider its expansion overseas to be a priority in international affairs. Thus, it was difficult for the USA to act effectively in a conflict with Spain, which required a comprehensive power in the sea and many ships. Therefore, projected needs encouraged the United States to become an imperialistic power during and after the mentioned war, expanding its territories overseas.
In the late 19th century, the USA started to rapidly expand its territorial and economic possessions. However, American Imperialism was not in favor because of the special values that the USA tried to spread all over the world, meaning democracy and freedoms. Annexation of Hawaii in 1898 during the war with Spain became the start of American Imperialism (Bailey, 1991). In other words, the USA gained control of this territory, having such positive consequences as possession of Hawaiian military equipment and public property. Moreover, this expansion led to major economic advancements: the United States could use the capital of Hawaii for its purposes. However, such imperialistic cases also negatively impacted the United States because imperialistic ideas contradicted a lot of American values (democracy and freedom). There was a critique of imperialism in the USA because while promoting liberty, the American government annexed territories by its power.
Bailey, H. M. (1991). The splendid little forgotten war: The mobilization of South Carolina for the war with Spain. The South Carolina Historical Magazine, 92(3), 189-214.