Teller Amendment Dbq

In April of 1898, as Congress voted to go to war against Spain it also stated, in the Teller Amendment, that America was solely going to war against Spain in Cuba for the purpose of aiding the Cuban people in winning their independence. In many ways, the Teller Amendment was aimed at mollifying anti-imperialists who feared that the war might be an excuse for the U.S. to annex Cuba. Three years later the U.S. made their intentions with regard to Cuba clear when U.S. Secretary of State Elihu Root pressured Cuban leaders to insert the Platt Amendment into the new Cuban Constitution. Both documents are below. Teller Amendment: That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control

That all Acts of the United States in Cuba during its military occupancy thereof are ratified and validated, and all lawful rights acquired there under shall be maintained and protected. V. That the government of Cuba will execute, and as far as necessary extend, the plans already devised or other plans to be mutually agreed upon, for the sanitation of the cities of the island, to the end that a recurrence of epidemic and infectious diseases may be prevented, thereby assuring protection to the people and commerce of Cuba, as well as to the commerce of the southern ports of the United States and the people residing therein. VI. That the Isle of Pines shall be omitted from the proposed constitutional boundaries of Cuba, the title thereto being left to future adjustment by treaty. VII. That to enable the United States to maintain the independence of Cuba, and to protect the people thereof, as well as for its own defense, the government of Cuba will sell or lease to the United States lands necessary for coaling or naval stations at certain specified points to be agreed upon with the President of the United States. VIII. That by way of further assurance the government of Cuba will embody the foregoing provisions in a permanent treaty with the United