What did the United States seek to achieve through its policies in Cuba after the Spanish-American War?

The United States aimed to exert control over Cuban military and economic affairs following the Spanish-American War, which is reflected in its policies like the Platt Amendment. This amendment, passed in 1901, permitted the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs and established conditions for U.S. presence, indicating a clear intent to influence Cuba's governance and economy even while nominally granting it independence. The U.S. government was particularly interested in ensuring that Cuba would not fall under the influence of other powers, particularly European nations, and sought to establish stability in the region that would protect American interests.

The U.S. approach in Cuba was rooted in the broader imperialistic strategy of the time, which often involved controlling crucial territories and markets to enhance American economic and geopolitical standing. By investing in and overseeing various aspects of Cuban governance and economics, the United States aimed to secure a strategic foothold in Latin America, achieving both stability and the promotion of American ideals and economic interests.