After the Spanish-American War, what role did the U.S. primarily take in Cuba?

Following the Spanish-American War, the United States established a protectorate over Cuba, which allowed for limited control while still maintaining Cuba's nominal independence. The Platt Amendment, enacted in 1901, provided the framework for this relationship, stipulating that Cuba could not enter into treaties that would compromise its independence, and that the U.S. would have the right to intervene in Cuban affairs to maintain order. Although Cuba was recognized as an independent nation, the U.S. retained significant influence over its government and foreign policy, effectively limiting Cuba's autonomy.

This situation distinguished the U.S. involvement in Cuba from direct governance or complete withdrawal, as the country did not take full control of Cuba’s administration but rather maintained a controlling yet guiding presence through military and economic means. The establishment of military bases also occurred as a part of the broader strategy in the Caribbean and could be seen as part of the protectorate relationship, but it was the overall limited autonomy and U.S. control reflected in the protectorate status that encapsulated the nature of U.S. involvement at that time.