The Role of the Constituent Assembly (Constitutional Convention) in Approving the Cuban Constitution and the American Position (1900-1901)

Abstract

The first constitution that Cuba adopted following the end of the Spanish occupation was known as the Platt Amendment or Constitution. Named for Orville H. Platt, the Chairman of the Committee, it is a treaty between the United States and Cuba. On February 25, 1901, this amendment was filed, and on February 27, 1901, it was accepted by the Senate; nevertheless, it wasn't officially authorized until May 2, 1903. The most significant of its eight points was that the United States had forced Cuba to sign any treaty with any foreign nation or authority and had forbidden it from taking on any public debt (loan) that would have required interest, Furthermore, this amendment permitted the United States to lease or purchase property for the construction of naval bases, such as Guantanamo Bay, and coal supply stations in Cuba, as well as to engage in significant internal and international intervention in Cuban affairs. This study aims to discuss the role of how the United States of America wanted to control cuba in political, economic and security terms  through this constitutional convention.