Cuba's Affairs

Definition

Cuba's Affairs refers to the political, economic, and social issues surrounding Cuba, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as it became a focal point in the context of American imperialism. The U.S. intervention in Cuba was driven by various factors including strategic interests, humanitarian concerns over Spanish colonial rule, and the desire to expand American influence in the Caribbean and Latin America. This culminated in the Spanish-American War and ultimately led to significant changes in Cuba's governance and its relationship with the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain intensified in the 1890s, leading to significant loss of life and prompting U.S. involvement under the guise of humanitarian aid.
2. The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898 served as a catalyst for U.S. intervention, fueling public outrage against Spain.
3. After the Spanish-American War, Cuba was placed under U.S. military administration before gaining formal independence in 1902.
4. The Platt Amendment allowed the U.S. to oversee Cuban affairs while also granting it the right to intervene militarily if deemed necessary.
5. Cuba's Affairs reflected broader trends of American imperialism, highlighting the nation's desire to expand its influence beyond its borders during this era.

Review Questions

• How did Cuba's Affairs reflect America's motivations for imperialism during the late 19th century?
  • Cuba's Affairs highlighted America's dual motivations of humanitarian concern and strategic expansionism during the late 19th century. The U.S. sought to intervene in Cuba primarily to assist with its fight against Spanish colonial rule while also aiming to establish a foothold in the Caribbean. This intersection of motives illustrates how imperialism often masked underlying economic and political interests that influenced U.S. foreign policy.
• Evaluate the impact of the Spanish-American War on Cuba's political landscape and its future relationship with the United States.
  • The Spanish-American War had profound implications for Cuba’s political landscape by transitioning it from Spanish colonial rule to a form of indirect control by the United States. Following the war, Cuba was forced to adopt the Platt Amendment, which allowed U.S. intervention in Cuban affairs, effectively limiting its sovereignty. This set a precedent for future U.S. involvement in Latin America and shaped Cuba's political development well into the 20th century.
• Analyze how Yellow Journalism influenced public perception of Cuba's Affairs and its role in prompting U.S. intervention.
  • Yellow Journalism played a significant role in shaping public perception of Cuba’s Affairs by sensationalizing reports of Spanish atrocities against Cubans, which stirred emotions and rallied support for intervention. Newspapers like those owned by Hearst and Pulitzer exaggerated events to sell papers, creating an environment ripe for war fever among Americans. This manipulation of public sentiment not only justified military action but also underscored how media can influence foreign policy decisions, highlighting a key dynamic of American imperialism at that time.

Related terms

Spanish-American War:

A conflict between Spain and the United States in 1898, primarily over Cuban independence, which resulted in the U.S. emerging as a colonial power.

Platt Amendment:

An amendment to the Cuban Constitution in 1901 that allowed the United States to intervene in Cuban affairs and established a U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

Yellow Journalism:

A style of sensationalist journalism that exaggerated news stories, contributing to public support for U.S. intervention in Cuba during the Spanish-American War.