The war began after the American demand for Spain 's peacefully resolving the Cuban fight for independence was rejected , though strong expansionist sentiment in the United States may have motivated the government to target Spain 's remaining overseas territories : Cuba , Puerto Rico , the Philippines , Guam and the Caroline Islands .
Strong expansionist sentiment in the United States may have motivated the government to target Spain 's remaining overseas territories . These territories included Cuba , Puerto Rico , the Philippines , Guam and the Caroline Islands .