1901: Platt Amendment Paves the Way for Continued U.S. Involvement
In 1901, Secretary of War Elihu Root drafts a series of articles which are to serve as guidelines for United States-Cuban relations in the future. These articles come to be known as the Platt Amendment. Introduced to the Senate by Senator Orville Platt of Connecticut, the amendment becomes a part of the 1902 Cuban Constitution, despite heavy resistance from the people of Cuba. It also becomes part of a permanent treaty between the United States and Cuba. The amendment allows the United States to intervene in Cuban affairs and:
- Prohibit the government of Cuba from entering into treaties with foreign countries that might give them powers over Cuban affairs
- Bans Cuba from incurring debt it cannot repay under the revenue policies at the time
- Requires Cuba to continue sanitary administration established during U.S. intervention
- Legalizes U.S. military intervention in Cuba
- Gives the U.S. the right to seize part of Cuba's territory
- Limits Cuba's rights to enter into treaties with other countries
- Forces Cuba to sell or lease part of its territory to the U.S. for the establishment of naval stations
