Describe the debate sparked by the Spanish American War over the relationship between political democracy and race and citizenship?

The Spanish-American War ignited a significant debate over the relationship between political democracy and race, particularly regarding the status of newly acquired territories and their inhabitants. Proponents of Imperialism argued that expanding the United States' reach was a means to spread democracy and civilization, while critics contended that denying self-governance to non-white populations contradicted American democratic principles. This tension highlighted the paradox of a nation founded on equality grappling with its racial prejudices, ultimately influencing discussions on citizenship and the rights of marginalized groups. Thus, the war catalyzed a critical examination of how race intersected with notions of democracy and national identity.