Final answer:
The United States used Cuba to further American imperialism by intervening in their fight for independence from Spain and becoming heavily involved in Cuban affairs.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the late 1800s, the United States used Cuba to further American imperialism by intervening in their fight for independence from Spain. US newspapers advocated for intervention, and when the USS Maine exploded in Havana harbor, the US officially became involved in the Cuban War of Independence. The US then became heavily involved in Cuban affairs and implemented the Platt Amendment into the Cuban Constitution. Additionally, the US acquired Guantanamo Naval Base.