Question

A Cuban official commenting on the Platt Amendment by the US Congress described it as "....the equivalent to handing over the keys to our house so that they (the US) can enter it at any time...whether with good or evil design." Which is the best interpretation of this quote?

a) The United States was a great ally of Cuba
b) The United States was going to control matters in Cuba
c) Cuba was going to become a communist country
d) Cuba was going to have full independence from the United States

Answer 1

The Cuban official's comment on the Platt Amendment implies that the United States would control Cuba's affairs, as the U.S. was essentially given the 'keys' to the nation through the amendment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best interpretation of the quote by the Cuban official regarding the Platt Amendment is that it signified the United States was going to control matters in Cuba. The quote metaphorically suggests that the United States held the 'keys' to Cuba, symbolizing significant authority and the potential for intervention 'at any time...whether with good or evil design.'

The Platt Amendment, an extension of the Teller Amendment, notably restricted Cuba's independence by placing various conditions on the newly formed nation, including granting the United States the right to interfere in Cuba's affairs to preserve its independence and, controversially, to establish a US military base at Guantanamo Bay.