The newly formed Cuban government wrote a constitution for Cuban independence in 1900. The constitution did not specify the relationship between Cuba the the United States. In 1901 the U.S. insisted that Cuba should add several provisions to their constitution known as the Platt Amendment. The Platt Amendment states that:
- Cuba could not make treaties that might limit its independence or permit a foreign power to control any part of its territoy.
- The United States reserved the right to intervene in Cuba.
- Cuba was not to go inot debt.
- The United States could buy or lease land on the island for naval stations and refueling stations.
The US.. army would not withdraw until Cuba adopted the Platt Amendment.
After Cuba adopted the amendment, the U.S. ratified a tariff pact that gave Cuban sugar preference in the U.S. market and the protection to select U.S. products in the Cuban market. Sugar production dominated the Cuban economy. While the Cuban domestic consumption became increasingly dependent on U.S. producers. Most of the provisions in the Platt Amendment were repealed in 1934 except U.S. rights to Guantanamo Bay. When the Treaty of Relations between the United States and Cuba was negotiated as a part of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Good Neighbor policy." Guantanamo Bay can be revoked by both parties consent or by American abondonment of the site.
I think it was good for the U.S. because you wouldn't want another country controlling an island that close to the U.S. I think it helped out Cuba a little.
Sources:
The U.S. History Book
Comments
Good!