The Spanish-American War of 1898 marked a significant turning point for U.S. foreign policy, as it resulted in the United States defeating Spain and gaining control over its former colonies, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This victory established the U.S. as a dominant imperial power in Latin America and the Caribbean, allowing it to exert influence through military presence and economic investments. The war also led to the implementation of the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, which justified U.S. intervention in Latin American affairs, further solidifying its imperial stance in the region. Ultimately, this shift facilitated American expansionism and set the stage for a more interventionist approach in Latin America for the decades to come.