Final answer:
The Platt Amendment made Cuba a U.S. protectorate, allowing the United States to dictate much of Cuba's foreign policy, intervene in Cuban affairs, and establish a naval base at Guantanamo Bay, thereby limiting Cuban sovereignty despite its nominal independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Platt Amendment was a legislative measure that profoundly shaped the relationship between Cuba and the United States after the Spanish-American War. By modifying the earlier Teller Amendment, it granted the United States significant control over Cuban affairs.
Specifically, the Platt Amendment authorized the U.S. to oversee Cuba's foreign policy and financial decisions, and established the right for the U.S. to intervene in Cuba to maintain a stable government and protect American interests. Moreover, it gave the U.S. a perpetual lease on Guantanamo Bay for a naval base.
Essentially, this made Cuba a U.S. protectorate, meaning that while Cuba was technically an independent nation, in practice, its sovereignty was limited by the significant influence and control exerted by the United States.