Cheating An Empire The Spanish-American War was brought about over the Spanish policies in Cuba in 1898. America's victory in this war rose debate over the terms in the Treaty of Paris. People argued furiously over whether the country should obtain the Philippines. Some believed the expansion beyond North America forsake America's political principles. Nevertheless many wanted to expand the nation. They believed since the United States has always expanded across the continent through such purchases …showed first 75 words of 560 total…

…showed last 75 words of 560 total…the canal which was a long term interest to America. Its commercial value was obvious. But the Spanish-American War emphasized its importance. Roosevelt persuaded Britian to renounce its treaty right to a joint role with the United States in any canal venture. The willingness of Britian to do so showed a growing friendship between the two nations. The United States took formal control of the canal zone in 1904 and completed construction of the canal in 1914.