Which of the following best replaces the question mark in this list of information about Puerto Rico?

The correct response highlights that Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States as a result of the Spanish-American War, which occurred in 1898. This event marked a significant shift in territorial control following the war, during which the United States sought to expand its influence in the Caribbean and the Pacific. Following the war, the Treaty of Paris formalized the cession, establishing Puerto Rico as a U.S. territory. This action was consistent with the broader trend of American imperialism at the time, as the U.S. acquired several territories away from the continental borders.

In contrast, becoming a U.S. state during the Reconstruction era is not applicable, as Puerto Rico did not achieve statehood until 1952, long after Reconstruction. Additionally, there was no annexation treaty with the United States after World War I, as the status of Puerto Rico had already been established through the Spanish-American War. The reference to Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points is also not pertinent, as that framework was primarily concerned with post-World War I diplomacy and self-determination, rather than the circumstances surrounding Puerto Rico's status.