Teller Amendment

Definition

The Teller Amendment was a legislative measure passed by the United States Congress in April 1898, asserting that the U.S. would not annex Cuba following the Spanish-American War. This amendment aimed to reassure both the American public and international community that the U.S. military intervention in Cuba was solely for the purpose of liberating the island from Spanish rule, not for territorial expansion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Teller Amendment was introduced by Senator Henry M. Teller of Colorado as a response to concerns about U.S. imperialism during the Spanish-American War.
2. It was passed unanimously by Congress as part of a joint resolution supporting Cuban independence.
3. While the Teller Amendment aimed to prevent annexation of Cuba, it set the stage for future U.S. involvement in Cuban affairs, leading to conflicts over sovereignty.
4. The amendment was significant in shaping U.S. foreign policy by establishing a precedent for intervention without formal annexation.
5. Despite the Teller Amendment's assurances, U.S. influence in Cuba increased after the war, culminating in the Platt Amendment just three years later.

Review Questions

• How did the Teller Amendment reflect American attitudes towards imperialism during the late 19th century?
  • The Teller Amendment reflected a growing concern among Americans about imperialism and the ethics of territorial expansion. By declaring that the U.S. would not annex Cuba, lawmakers sought to maintain a façade of benevolence and support for self-determination while engaging in military action against Spain. This duality showcased a conflict between ideals of liberty and underlying expansionist ambitions that characterized American attitudes during this period.
• Analyze how the passage of the Teller Amendment influenced subsequent U.S.-Cuba relations after the Spanish-American War.
  • The passage of the Teller Amendment initially established a commitment to Cuban independence, but it also laid groundwork for increasing American intervention in Cuban affairs. Following the war, despite promising not to annex Cuba, U.S. involvement became pronounced through economic control and political influence. This shift culminated in the Platt Amendment, which allowed for direct intervention and established military bases, ultimately undermining Cuban sovereignty.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Teller Amendment on U.S. foreign policy and its approach to Latin America in the 20th century.
  • The Teller Amendment had significant long-term implications for U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America by setting a precedent for intervention under the guise of liberation without annexation. This approach fostered a complex relationship with Latin American nations, often oscillating between support for sovereignty and strategic interests. The conflicting ideals embodied by this amendment contributed to a pattern of interventionism that persisted throughout the 20th century, ultimately influencing U.S. actions during events like the Cuban Revolution and Cold War dynamics.

Related terms

Spanish-American War:

A conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, primarily over the issues of Cuban independence and American expansionism in the Caribbean.

Platt Amendment:

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

Imperialism:

A policy or ideology where a nation extends its power and influence over other countries or territories, often through military force, colonization, or economic dominance.