What did the Teller Amendment promise regarding Cuba?

The Teller Amendment, passed by the U.S. Congress in April 1898, assured that the United States would not annex Cuba after the Spanish-American War. This amendment was significant because it reflected the U.S. commitment to Cuban independence, addressing concerns that the U.S. would follow a colonial path similar to that of European powers. The U.S. sought to position itself as a liberator rather than an imperial force, promising that Cuba would be free and self-governing after the conflict.

This promise was part of the larger context of American imperialism, as the U.S. was emerging as a global power while trying to justify its expansionist policies domestically and internationally. The ability to maintain a stance of support for Cuban independence helped shape public opinion and garner support for the war, distinguishing the U.S. from other colonial powers.