What did the Platt Amendment impose on Cuba after its independence?

• A. A prohibition on foreign aid
• B. An allowance for US intervention in Cuban affairs
• C. A requirement for Cuba to become a US territory
• D. An establishment of a Cuban military

Answer: (B)

The Platt Amendment was a significant piece of legislation enacted in 1901 that dictated the terms of Cuban-American relations following Cuba's independence from Spain in the Spanish-American War. The amendment allowed the United States to intervene in Cuban affairs whenever it deemed necessary, effectively giving the U.S. control over Cuban foreign policy and ensuring that Cuba would not enter into any treaty or agreement with foreign nations that could threaten its independence or the interests of the United States. This interventionist provision was crucial in maintaining U.S. influence over the island and was a fundamental aspect of U.S. foreign policy in the Caribbean during the early 20th century.

The amendment also stipulated that Cuba could not effectively contract public debt beyond its means, which impacted its sovereignty. However, the most consequential aspect was the allowance for U.S. intervention, which set the precedent for future military interventions in Cuba and other parts of Latin America under the guise of protecting U.S. interests.