Question

Why do you think that the United States annexed Puerto Rico and the Philippines as territories, not states?

Answer 1

When the USS Maine sank, the United States believed the tragedy was the result of Spanish sabotage and declared war on Spain. As a result of the war, the United States acquired Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines as territories.

Step-by-step explanation:

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Answer 2

giving these islands statehood would result in better rights for the people living there and we like controlling the island nation's for as long as we can.

Step-by-step explanation:

Too much work