USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In the Mexican American War (1846-1848), the U.S. conquered the northern half of Mexico. In the Spanish-American War of 1898, the U.S. seized control of the Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. After these acts of imperialism, when one country extends its authority over another, the U.S. became a world power.

Detailed explanation-2: -On August 12, 1898, the United States and Spain reached a cease-fire agreement in its brief conflict over Cuba and the Philippines. The war marked America’s entrance onto the global stage as a military power.

Detailed explanation-3: -World War II transformed the United States from a midlevel global power to the leader of the “free world.” With this rapid rise in power and influence, the United States had to take on new responsibilities, signaling the beginning of the “American era."

Detailed explanation-4: -Currently, only the United States fulfills the criteria to be considered a superpower.