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Acquiring New Territories

Acquiring New Territories. 12.4.3. Ruling Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico was acquired by the US at the end of the Spanish American War At first the US military ruled the island but eventually civil government was restored and Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship

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Acquiring New Territories

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  1. Acquiring New Territories 12.4.3

  2. Ruling Puerto Rico • Puerto Rico was acquired by the US at the end of the Spanish American War • At first the US military ruled the island but eventually civil government was restored and Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship • Puerto Rico was strategically important to the US, for maintaining a presence in the Caribbean and for protecting a future canal that US leaders wanted to build in Panama.

  3. Cuba and the United States • Though officially independent, Cuba was occupied by US troops when the war ended • Under American occupation, the same officials who had served Spain remained in office. • Cubans who protested this policy were imprisoned or exiled.

  4. Cuba and the United States • The US military government provided food and clothing for families, helped farmers put land back into cultivation, and organized elementary schools. • The military government helped eliminate yellow feverthrough improvement of sanitation and medical research

  5. The Platt Amendment • In 1900 the Cuban government wrote a constitution • The US insisted that Cuba add several provisions, known as the Platt Amendment, stating that… • Cuba could not make treaties that might limit its independence or permit a foreign power to control any part of its territory • The US reserved the right to intervene in Cuba • Cuba was not to go into debt • The US could buy or lease land on the island for naval stations and refueling stations

  6. The Platt Amendment • The US made it clear that its army would not withdraw until Cuba adopted the Platt Amendment • In 1903 Cubans reluctantly ratified the new constitution • Cuba became a U.S. protectorate, a country whose affairs are partially controlled by a stronger power.

  7. PROTECTING AMERICAN BUSINESS INTERESTS • The most important reason for the US to maintain a strong presence in Cuba was to protect American businesses that had invested in the island’s sugar, tobacco, and mining industries

  8. Assignment • 1. Why was Puerto Rico strategically important to the US? • 2. Explain how the US treated the people of Cuba after the Spanish American war. • 3. Based on their treatment of the Cubans, do you believe the US truly believed Cuba was independent? Explain your answer. • 4. What was the Platt amendment? How did the US ensure that this was approved? • 5. Define protectorate. What does this say about Cuba’s status as an independent nation?

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