Question

What was the Platt Amendment, and why did America insist Cuba add it to their Constitution?

a) An agreement for economic aid
b) A treaty for military alliance
c) A condition for granting independence
d) A cultural exchange initiative

Answer 1

The Platt Amendment was a condition for Cuba's independence from the U.S., which allowed for U.S. intervention, restricted foreign debts and treaties, and established the Guantánamo Bay naval base.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Platt Amendment was a condition for granting independence to Cuba following the Spanish-American War. This amendment was a measure that amended the earlier Teller Amendment, which declared that the United States had no intention of taking permanent control over Cuba.

Instead, the Platt Amendment set conditions under which the United States essentially retained oversight over Cuban affairs.

It required Cuba to not incur foreign debts it could not pay, to not enter into treaties with foreign powers that compromised its independence, and to allow the United States to intervene in Cuban affairs to preserve independence and maintain protection of life, property, and liberty.

The most significant condition was granting the United States a naval base at Guantánamo Bay, which established a long-term U.S. military presence.