1. Continuation of Spanish Rule: The Spanish victory would likely have resulted in the continuation of Spanish colonial rule in Cuba and Puerto Rico. While there may have been some reforms and concessions granted to the local population, the islands would likely have remained under Spanish control.
2. Influence in the Caribbean and Central America: A Spanish victory could have reinforced Spain's presence and influence in the Caribbean and Central America, possibly leading to increased economic, political, and cultural ties between Spain and these regions.
3. Delayed US Expansion: The defeat of the United States in the war would have likely slowed or even halted the US's expansionist policies in the late 19th century. This could have had far-reaching implications for US foreign policy and its position as a global power.
4. Changed Power Dynamics in the Americas: The outcome of the war could have altered the balance of power in the Americas. Instead of the United States' dominance, there might have been a more balanced power dynamic, with Spain and other European powers playing more prominent roles in the region.
5. Tensions with the US: Even though the war would have ended with the defeat of the US, tensions between Spain and the US might have persisted. The memory of the conflict could have led to future disputes and even more conflicts between the two nations.
6. Impact on the Filipino Revolution: The Spanish American War also led to the Spanish Philippine Revolution, where Filipino revolutionaries sought independence from Spain. A Spanish victory in the Spanish-American War could have changed the course of the Philippine Revolution and prolonged Spanish rule in the Philippines.
It's important to note that these are speculative scenarios, and it is impossible to say with certainty what would have happened had the Spanish won the Spanish American War. The complexity and interconnectedness of global events make such predictions difficult.