Platt Amendment

Definition

The Platt Amendment was a provision added to the Cuban constitution in 1901 that limited Cuba's sovereignty and allowed the United States to intervene in Cuban affairs. This amendment effectively established Cuba as a U.S. protectorate, highlighting the nation's imperialistic ambitions and its desire to maintain control over newly acquired territories following the Spanish-American War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Platt Amendment was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1901 and was a response to the aftermath of the Spanish-American War, where the U.S. sought to exert influence over Cuba.
2. It required Cuba to not enter into any treaties that might compromise its independence and granted the U.S. the right to intervene for the preservation of Cuban independence.
3. The amendment also allowed for the establishment of a U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, which remains a symbol of American presence on the island.
4. The Platt Amendment was repealed in 1934 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's Good Neighbor Policy, marking a shift in U.S.-Cuba relations.
5. Cuban resentment towards the Platt Amendment contributed to rising nationalism and played a role in the eventual Cuban Revolution in 1959.

Review Questions

• How did the Platt Amendment reflect American imperialistic goals following the Spanish-American War?
  • The Platt Amendment demonstrated American imperialistic goals by allowing the United States to maintain significant control over Cuba despite its formal independence. By limiting Cuba's ability to engage in international treaties and permitting U.S. intervention in its domestic affairs, it effectively made Cuba a protectorate of the United States. This action was consistent with broader trends of American expansionism during this period, as the U.S. sought to establish itself as a dominant power in the Caribbean and beyond.
• Discuss the long-term implications of the Platt Amendment on U.S.-Cuba relations.
  • The long-term implications of the Platt Amendment on U.S.-Cuba relations have been profound and lasting. The amendment created deep-seated resentment among Cubans, as it symbolized U.S. interventionism and dominance over their sovereignty. Even after its repeal in 1934, the legacy of American control persisted, influencing political dynamics in Cuba and leading to tensions that contributed to events such as the Cuban Revolution and ongoing conflicts between Cuba and the U.S.
• Evaluate how the Platt Amendment fits into the broader narrative of American foreign policy during the early 20th century.
  • The Platt Amendment fits into the broader narrative of American foreign policy during the early 20th century by exemplifying a shift towards an assertive interventionist approach. This period marked a transition from isolationism to expansionism, as exemplified by actions such as securing territories after the Spanish-American War and establishing protectorates like Cuba. The amendment reflects a desire for strategic military presence and economic influence in Latin America, setting a precedent for future interventions and policies that would shape America's role on the global stage.

Related terms

Spanish-American War: A conflict fought in 1898 between Spain and the United States, resulting in the U.S. acquisition of territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Cuba Libre: A movement that aimed for Cuban independence from Spanish rule, which gained momentum leading up to the Spanish-American War.

Guantanamo Bay: A naval base established by the U.S. on the southeastern coast of Cuba, which is still under U.S. control today as a result of the Platt Amendment.