Name one of the U.S. territories that existed before 1900.

Why This Matters

Before 1900, the United States acquired several territories beyond the mainland states. These territories are important because they show how America expanded its influence across the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. You need to name just one territory for the test, and the acceptable answers are Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and American Samoa.

Most of these territories became part of the United States after the Spanish-American War of 1898. Spain had controlled Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines for centuries. When the U.S. defeated Spain in the war, these territories were handed over to America through the Treaty of Paris. American Samoa came under U.S. control through agreements with local leaders and other international powers around the same time.

Understanding these territories matters because millions of people today still live in U.S. territories. Puerto Rico and Guam remain U.S. territories, and people born there are U.S. citizens. The Philippines became an independent country in 1946, and American Samoa has its own unique status. These territories are part of the broader story of how the United States grew from 13 colonies on the East Coast into a nation with a presence around the world.

Key Facts

• Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory in 1898 after the Spanish-American War
• Guam was also acquired from Spain in 1898
• The Philippines were a U.S. territory from 1898 until independence in 1946
• American Samoa became a U.S. territory through treaties in 1899-1900
• People born in Puerto Rico and Guam are U.S. citizens by birth

Common Mistakes

• Naming Hawaii or Alaska, both became U.S. states in 1959 and are not considered territories anymore
• Saying the U.S. Virgin Islands, they were acquired from Denmark in 1917, which is after 1900
• Confusing territories with states, territories do not have the same representation in Congress as states do

Study Tip

The easiest answer to remember is Puerto Rico, since it is the most well-known U.S. territory and is frequently mentioned in the news. If you can remember that Puerto Rico came from Spain after a war in 1898, you have a solid, confident answer ready for the interview.