Identify the causes and outcome of the Spanish American War

The cause of the Spanish American War was brought about by American expansionists. Most Americans agreed to free the oppressed spanish people , this four month conflict between spain and america resulted in the death of 260 men and a sunken ship the maine. On April 25, 1898 the U.S declared war on Cuba because cuba declined to pull thier back thier forces. although but because prior to this was the civil war and our armed forces didnt have much time to regain thier numbers. Every able bodied soldier was rushed to florida to await Cubas attack. After the war America had annexed spain rulled collonies of puerto- rico, cuba and the phillipines. Some americans didnt belive it was right for the U.S to act as an imperial power, although most head of states did like that idea including William Mc Kinley.