Why was the Spanish American War referred to as a “splendid little war”?

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The so-called "splendid little war" was the Spanish-American War of 1898. This short conflict marked the rise of the U.S. to the status of an imperial nation and a world power. Introduction. During the late 19th
century the United States had grown into a world power, but a latent one.”

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Is there not a question though?