 The U.S. , after the Spanish – American War , had many expansionists who wanted to annex Cuba . Many people felt that a foreign power ( outside of the U.S. ) would control a portion of Cuba , thus the U.S. could not continue with its interests in Cuba . Although many advocated annexation , this was prevented by the Teller Amendment , which states " hereby disclaims any disposition of intention to exercise sovereignty , jurisdiction , or control over said island except for pacification thereof , and asserts its determination , when that is accomplished , to leave the government and control of the island to its people . " When summarized , this could mean that the U.S. would not interfere with Cuba and its peoples . The expansionists argued though , that the Teller Amendment was created " ignorant of actual conditions " and that this released the U.S. from its obligation . Following the debate surrounding the Teller Amendment , the Platt Amendment took effect . The Platt Amendment ( the name is a misnomer ; the Platt Amendment is actually a rider to the Army Appropriation Act of 1901 ) was accepted by Cuba in late 1901 , after " strong pressure " from Washington . The Platt Amendment , summarized by Thomas A. Bailey in " Diplomatic History of the American People " : 
