What was the significance of the Platt Amendment?

The Platt Amendment was significant because it fundamentally shaped U.S.-Cuba relations following the Spanish-American War. Ratified in 1901, this amendment restricted Cuba's ability to engage in foreign agreements and established the right of the United States to intervene in Cuban affairs whenever it saw fit. This meant that while Cuba was nominally an independent nation, its sovereignty was heavily compromised due to the U.S. control over its foreign policy and internal affairs.

The amendment also required Cuba to lease land to the U.S. for naval bases, most notably Guantanamo Bay, further illustrating the extent of American influence over Cuban governance. This framework effectively turned Cuba into a protectorate of the United States, ensuring that American interests were prioritized and maintained control over the island's political landscape. As a consequence, the Platt Amendment had long-lasting implications for Cuba's autonomy and its relationship with the United States, setting the tone for future interactions between the two nations.