The Spanish-American War altered the early U.S. force mix by demonstrating what cruisers could do. A home-defence battle fleet could not provide the same reach once the United States held territories, protectorates, or imperial responsibilities beyond the continent. Cruisers offered flexible presence as well as fighting power. The Pennsylvania-class armoured cruiser laid down in 1901 shows that these lessons had entered procurement policy.
Notable Point · 47:20-48:20
The Spanish-American War made the case for cruisers
The Spanish-American War and new overseas responsibilities made the United States value cruisers for presence, utility, and protecting distant interests.