ID: Platt Amendment
When: March 2, 1901
Who:
- United States: Influenced its creation and implementation.
- Cuba: Forced to accept the amendment as a condition for U.S. withdrawal of troops.
What:
An amendment to the U.S. Army Appropriations Act of 1901. It stipulated seven conditions for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Cuba, effectively making Cuba a U.S. protectorate. Key stipulations included limitations on Cuba’s treaty-making power (requiring U.S. approval), the leasing of Guantanamo Bay to the U.S., and a commitment by Cuba to maintain a stable government.
Impact: Why Significant?:
- U.S. Imperialism: The Platt Amendment exemplifies U.S. expansionism and its assertion of influence over Latin America during the Progressive Era. It showcased a willingness to intervene in the affairs of other nations under the guise of protecting U.S. interests.
- Cuban Sovereignty: The amendment severely restricted Cuban sovereignty and autonomy, despite Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain. This created resentment and dependence on the U.S.
- Guantanamo Bay: The leasing of Guantanamo Bay remains a contentious issue to this day, representing a constant reminder of the U.S.’s lingering imperial influence in Cuba.
- Precedent for Future Interventions: The Platt Amendment served as a precedent for future U.S. interventions in Latin America, justifying actions under the Roosevelt Corollary and contributing to strained relationships with nations in the region.
- Limited Self-Determination: The amendment underscored the limitations placed on newly independent nations in achieving true self-determination in the face of powerful external forces.