Impact of the Spanish American War In order for one to understand the Spanish-American War and the impact its aftermath had on the world, one must first take a look at the events that let to this war. In the 19th century the US was at the brink of new age brought upon by the Industrial Revolution. As the industry flourished, there was an ever increasing need for new markets, and new sources of raw materials. However, the US had already expanded from one coast to another. Because of the policies that it previously followed, the US, unlike some strong European nations, did not secured any foreign lands that i