The Platt Amendment: How the United States Dominated Cuba’s Policies and Sovereignty

Platt Amendment

agreement claiming the United States’ right to intervene in Cuban affairs

The Platt Amendment was a set of conditions that the United States imposed on Cuba after the Spanish-American War in 1898. The amendment was named after Senator Orville Platt, who introduced it in Congress.

The key provisions of the Platt Amendment included:

1. Cuba could not enter into any agreements with other countries that would endanger its independence or allow foreign powers to intervene in its affairs.

2. The United States reserved the right to intervene in Cuba in order to protect its interests.

3. Cuba was required to lease naval bases to the United States, including the infamous Guantanamo Bay.

4. The Cuban government had to agree to fiscal and administrative oversight by the United States.

The Platt Amendment effectively made Cuba a protectorate of the United States, with the U.S. government dictating many aspects of Cuba’s foreign and domestic policies.

The Amendment was highly controversial and seen by many as a violation of Cuba’s sovereignty. It remained in effect until 1934, when it was finally abrogated by the United States as part of a new treaty with Cuba.

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