As an expert in military history, I can tell you that the United States has been involved in a number of conflicts throughout its history, each with varying lengths and outcomes. When it comes to the shortest war in U.S. history, the answer is the Spanish-American War of 1898.

The Spanish-American War was a conflict between the United States and Spain that lasted from April 25 to August 12, 1898. This war was precipitated by the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in Cuba, which was then a Spanish colony. The explosion on the ship resulted in the deaths of 266 American sailors, and although the exact cause of the explosion remains a subject of debate, it was widely believed at the time to have been caused by a Spanish mine. This incident, coupled with the ongoing struggle for Cuban independence from Spain, led to a call for war against Spain by the United States.

The war was characterized by several key battles and events. One of the most famous was the Battle of Manila Bay, where the U.S. Asiatic Squadron under the command of Commodore George Dewey decisively defeated the Spanish Pacific Squadron. This victory secured American control over the Philippines, which would later be ceded to the United States by Spain under the Treaty of Paris.

Another notable event was the Battle of San Juan Hill, where the Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry unit led by future President Theodore Roosevelt, played a crucial role in the American victory. The war also saw the rise of the United States as a world power, as it acquired territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines from Spain.

The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898. Under the terms of the treaty, Spain relinquished its control over Cuba, and the United States gained control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This acquisition marked the beginning of the United States' role as a colonial power and significantly expanded its sphere of influence.

The Spanish-American War was a turning point in American history, and its short duration was due in part to the strategic naval engagements and the quick mobilization of American forces. It demonstrated the effectiveness of the U.S. military and the nation's growing influence on the global stage.

Now, let's move on to the translation of the above response into Chinese.

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The USA took part in many conflicts but the Gulf War wasn't the shortest of those, as it lasted 7 months. The Kosovo War was much shorter at 118 days. The first Gulf War is often confused with Operation Desert Storm, which was the moment of the final battle in this war.read more >>