The only reason America annexed Guam and its Chamorro inhabitants all those years ago was because the U.S. was at war with Spain. When the Spanish-American War broke out in April of 1898, Guam was under Spanish control (as it had been since the 1600s). The Philippines and Guam are only 1,500 miles apart.Click to see full answer. Also know, how did the Spanish American War affect Guam?Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico became territories of the United States as part of the terms of the Treaty of Paris that officially ended the Spanish-American War of 1898. Scholars have vigorously disagreed about the main factors behind the decision to go to war.Also Know, what were the effects of the Spanish American War? The Treaty of Paris was most generous to the winners. The United States received the Philippines and the islands of Guam and Puerto Rico. Cuba became independent, and Spain was awarded $20 million dollars for its losses. The treaty prompted a heated debate in the United States. Beside above, what happened to Guam after the Spanish American War quizlet? The Treaty of Paris gave the US the Philippines after the Spanish American War, but they purchased the Philippines for $20 Million. US invades Guam and defeats Spain for control. The Treaty of Paris officially recognizes as Guam under US control.How did the Spanish American War change America’s relationship to the rest of the world?The Spanish-American War, 1898. U.S. victory in the war produced a peace treaty that compelled the Spanish to relinquish claims on Cuba, and to cede sovereignty over Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States. The United States also annexed the independent state of Hawaii during the conflict.