The platt amendment
The Platt Amendment was an agreement signed between the United States and Cuba in 1901, which imposed certain conditions on Cuba's sovereignty and foreign policy. The provisions of the Platt Amendment allowed the United States the right to intervene in Cuban affairs whenever it deemed necessary and granted the U.S. military the authority to maintain a naval base at Guantanamo Bay.
The Platt Amendment stipulated that Cuba could not enter into any agreements with foreign powers that would endanger its independence or threaten the security of the United States. Additionally, the Cuban government was prohibited from accruing excessive debt and required to grant the U.S. the right to intervene to maintain financial and political stability in Cuba.
The Platt Amendment was seen by many as an assertion of U.S. dominance in the Caribbean region, and it remained in effect until 1934 when it was repealed under the Good Neighbor Policy.
The Platt Amendment was an addition to the Cuban Constitution in 1901 that granted the United States certain rights and control over Cuba. Here are the steps to understand the Platt Amendment:
1. Background: At the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898, Cuba gained independence from Spain but was still heavily influenced by the United States.
2. Treaty of Paris: The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1898, granted the United States control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. It also gave the U.S. a temporary occupation of Cuba until a stable government was established.
3. Teller Amendment: In 1898, the U.S. passed the Teller Amendment, which promised that the United States would not annex or take permanent control of Cuba after the Spanish-American War.
4. The Platt Amendment: While the Teller Amendment promised non-interference in Cuban affairs, the U.S. Congress passed the Platt Amendment in 1901, outlining several provisions that gave the U.S. significant influence and control over Cuba:
a. The U.S. had the right to intervene in Cuban affairs to preserve Cuban independence, maintain law and order, and protect American interests.
b. Cuba had to lease or sell naval bases to the United States, which resulted in the establishment of the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base.
c. The Cuban government was not allowed to sign any treaty with a foreign power that could impair Cuban independence or give another country control over Cuban territory.
d. The U.S. had the authority to conduct military operations on Cuban soil.
e. The Cuban government was not allowed to take on excessive debt or go into financial agreements that could compromise its sovereignty.
5. Response and Implementation: The Platt Amendment sparked protests from Cuban nationalists who saw it as a violation of their sovereignty. However, the U.S. used its influence to ensure the inclusion of the amendment in the Cuban Constitution, making it legally binding.
6. Impact and Repeal: The Platt Amendment influenced U.S.-Cuba relations for several decades, providing the United States with significant control over Cuba's affairs. However, it became increasingly unpopular among Cubans, leading to its repeal in 1934.
These steps outline the background, provisions, and impact of the Platt Amendment, shedding light on its significance in U.S.-Cuba relations during the early 20th century.