Final answer:
The U.S. interest in Cuba was motivated by Cuba's fight for independence, American business interests, and Spain's oppressive rule. Yellow journalism from publishers like Hearst and Pulitzer significantly influenced public sentiment and contributed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Spanish-American War, which led to Cuban independence but with substantial U.S. control, including the imposition of the Platt Amendment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States developed an interest in Cuba during the late 1800s due to various factors such as the Cubans seeking independence from Spain, the oppressive Spanish control over the Cuban people prompting American intervention, and American business interests in Cuba. Yellow journalism played a pivotal role in swaying public opinion and raising support for intervention. William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, among others, leveraged sensationalist reporting to drum up enthusiasm for war, famously captured in the blowing up of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which was attributed by the media to Spanish actions.
Through the Spanish-American War, the United States signaled its emerging global influence and imperial ambitions. The U.S. Navy's role was decisive, and the conflict led to the defeat of Spain and subsequent Cuban independence. However, independence was coupled with significant U.S. influence, highlighted by the Platt Amendment that granted America the right to interfere in Cuban affairs and the acquisition of Guantanamo Naval Base. Furthermore, the war resulted in the U.S. taking possession of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and other islands, marking a significant expansion of American territory.