It was deemed necessary to establish a
Cuban Republic, but it was obvious that America would exercise
considerable influence over it. Early in the century the Platt
Amendment was passed by the U. S. Congress, and Cuba was
required to include it within her own constitution. This gave the
United States authority to intervene in Cuban affairs in order to
maintain law and order. The U. S. also obtained Guantanamo Bay
as a naval base in Cuba.
In 1916 American marines landed in Santo Domingo to restore law
and order there in the wake of a series of local uprisings.
Again, Americans wanted to protect their business interests in
the island. The American presence, however, only contributed to
the total collapse of civil government, and the marines were not
withdrawn until 1924. American commercial influence continued
and grew even after the soldiers left. Similarly, America
intervened in the internal affairs of Haiti. It began with the
assumption of financial control of the Haitian government to
help it achieve stability and, at the same time, to secure
American investments.
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