USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Approved on May 22, 1903, the Platt Amendment was a treaty between the U.S. and Cuba that attempted to protect Cuba’s independence from foreign intervention.

Detailed explanation-2: -In April 1898 Senator Henry M. Teller (Colorado) proposed an amendment to the U.S. declaration of war against Spain which proclaimed that the United States would not establish permanent control over Cuba.

Detailed explanation-3: -It placed a condition on the United States military’s presence in Cuba. According to the clause, the U.S. could not annex Cuba but only leave “control of the island to its people.” In short, the U.S. would help Cuba gain independence and then withdraw all its troops from the country.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Platt Amendment outlined the role of the United States in Cuba and the Caribbean, limiting Cuba’s right to make treaties with other nations and restricting Cuba in the conduct of foreign policy and commercial relations.

Detailed explanation-5: -Cubans opposed the provisions of the Platt Amendment. They claimed it gave far too much power to the United States and deprived Cubans of their independence.