What conflict started on April 24, 1898?

The conflict that began on April 24, 1898, is known as the Spanish-American War. This war marked a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy and military engagement. It was primarily driven by the United States' support for Cuban independence from Spain and the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which spurred public outrage and calls for military action.

The Spanish-American War was characterized by a relatively quick series of battles and had a major impact on the global standing of the United States. It resulted in the U.S. acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, establishing the country as an emerging imperial power. The war underscored the shifting dynamics of international relations at the turn of the 20th century, highlighting the transition of the United States from a continental power to an overseas colonial force.