What was primarily at issue in the spanish american war ? a) the cuban gov was manufacturing atomic weapons. b) cuba relationships w spain c) immigration from spain to us d) dispute w mexico over border why did many imperialists believe the pacific was so important ? a) they were afraid japanese might attack b) they wanted access to trade w china c) they wanted to establish military bases close to the pacific d) they were hoping to trade w pacific nations the spanish american war was the first war fought by the united states in which it a) used the panama canal b) tested tanks in battle c) acquired overseas possessions d) allied w a foreign power i’m on a time frame.