On this week's Lectures and History podcast, University of Louisville history professor Matthew Goldberg chronicles the brief but consequential war that marked the United States emergence as a global power.

Fought in 1898, the conflict began after tensions between the U.S. and Spain escalated over Cuba's struggle for independence.

The explosion of the USS Maine and Havana harbor fueled public outrage, and within months, the United States declared war.

Though the fighting lasted only a few months, it spanned multiple theaters, from Cuba and Puerto Rico to Guam and the Philippines.

The war ended with Spain seatingseeding control of key territories,

reshaping the global balance of power, and launching a new era of American overseas expansion.

On this episode of lectures and history, Professor Goldberg examines the political climate,

military campaigns, and lasting consequences of a war that transformed the United States' role on the world stage.

This is Rachel from C-SPAN's podcast team. If you are plugged in on law and policy,

you know this is a defining moment for American democracy. That's why the new season of

Democracy Decoded, a podcast from Campaign Legal Center, is a must listen. This season unpacks how decades of

structural cracks in the system have led to issues like dark money, gerrymandering, and growing

executive overreach, all of which impact how our democracy functions today. Each episode features a real

story that reflects the deeper challenges within our system. You'll also hear from legal experts

and public servants who are working to protect democratic integrity and promote accountability

and government. This is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand and protect

the democratic process. Listen to Democracy Decoded at democracydecoded.org or wherever you get

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