The US acquired Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico as a result of the Spanish-American War.Spain forfeited sovereignty over Cuba, although Cuba was controlled by the United States for four years.he Spanish-American War was mainly fought for Cuban independence. The Americans fought with the Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Filipinos against the Spanish. The American side wo … n and then the US acquired three Spanish territories: the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico.