In our timeline, it's very clear the US wanted Spain's Pacific holding [Taking Guam and the Philippines]. What if the US choose Spain's holding bordering the Atlantic instead [The Canary Islands and Spanish Guinea for example]. How can I achieve this outcome? If the American truly want Pacific holdings, perhaps they take the Mariana Island chain and ignore the Philippines for Africa? How close can I come to this?
If this did happen, what effects can I expect it to bring on? Would these Territories eventually gain independence, become states, or remain territories?