Question

If you were a Cuban in 1901, how would you have viewed Roosevelt's Corollary or American Imperialism? Would you think American intervention was fair or necessary? Support your view using two forms of evidence from the lesson.

Answer 1

Question 1:

If I were a Cuban in 1901, I would have been mostly unhappy about American Imperialism. Americans had some interests in Cuba that were humanitarian or paternalistic. For example, they wanted to improve Cuba's economy, schools, sanitation, etc. However, they were also pursuing selfish interests, such as trying to make American businesses the beneficiaries of the new Cuban constitution.

These goals were achieved through various means. America used extensive trade to maintain its influence and investments rather than military occupation. Another method was by using the "soft power" of cultural expansionism, in which Cuba would adopt American ideals and institutions.

Regardless of whether their goals were positive or negative for Cuba, they limited the power of Cubans to govern themselves and to decide their own destiny. They also put the interests of American businesses before those of the Cuban people.

Question 2:

I would have thought that American intervention was not fair, or necessary. In order for it to be fair, Americans would have needed to gain popular consent of the Cuban people, which they did not have. Moreover, the interests of Cubans should have been just as important as the interests of Americans.

The intervention was also unnecessary as it prevented Cuba from gaining full independence by not allowing them to create their own laws. The intervention of Americans in the constitution through the Platt Amendment meant that very few Cubans gained the right to vote. It also restricted the opportunities of Cuba to engage in diplomatic relations with other countries. Most importantly, Cubans were forced to authorize American intervention to keep order and protect Cuban independence.