During which conflict did the U.S. emerge as a world power according to the Rise of the Modern Presidency?

The Spanish-American War is recognized as a pivotal moment that marked the emergence of the United States as a world power. This conflict, which took place in 1898, resulted in the U.S. defeating Spain swiftly, leading to significant territorial gains including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This war demonstrated the military capabilities of the United States and asserted its influence beyond its continental borders.

The significance of the Spanish-American War lies in how it marked the transition of the U.S. from a nation focused primarily on domestic concerns to one actively engaging in international affairs. The aftermath of the war established the U.S. as a colonial power and changed the dynamics of global politics, setting the stage for its role in future conflicts and international relations.

In contrast, while World War I and World War II were indeed critical conflicts that reaffirmed and enhanced the power of the U.S. on the world stage, the assertion of power began with the Spanish-American War. The Cold War, although it cemented U.S. power in a different context, was more about the ideological struggle rather than the emergence of power itself. Thus, the Spanish-American War is the correct choice in identifying the moment when the United States began to establish itself as a formidable world power