After reading the causes of the Spanish-American War and its outcome. Discuss how this episode in American and World history contributed to the United States becoming a world power.

I’m working on a history case study and need a reference to help me learn. After reading the causes of the Spanish-American War and its outcome, I would like for you to discuss how this episode in American and World history contributed to the United States becoming a world power.  Your answer should provide specifics and leave the discussion open for debate as to whether or not our entry in to the war was justifiable.