What were the arguments for and against annexing Cuba after Spanish-American war?

- Cuba's strategic location: Cuba is located just 90 miles south of Florida, making it a valuable strategic location for the United States. Annexation would give the U.S. control over the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, and would allow the U.S. to protect its interests in the region.

- Cuba's economic potential: Cuba is a fertile island with a favorable climate, making it ideal for agriculture and other economic activities. Annexation would give the U.S. access to Cuba's resources and labor force, and would help to boost the U.S. economy.

- American investment in Cuba: American businesses and investors had already invested heavily in Cuba before the Spanish-American War. Annexation would protect these investments and allow American businesses to continue to operate in Cuba.

- Duty-Free Trade: Free trade with Cuba would lead to cheaper prices and more options for consumers.

Arguments against Annexing Cuba

- Cuba's status as a sovereign nation: Cuba had been a colony of Spain for centuries, but it was not a U.S. territory. Annexation would violate Cuba's sovereignty and would be seen as an act of imperialism by the United States.

-The Platt Amendment: The Platt Amendment was a set of conditions imposed on Cuba by the United States that would have limited Cuba's sovereignty and allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs. Many Cubans resented the Platt Amendment and it became a source of tension between the United States and Cuba.

- The cost of annexation: Annexation would have required the United States to provide Cuba with financial assistance and to defend Cuba from potential attacks from other countries. This could have been a costly and time-consuming commitment for the United States.

- Racism: Many Americans were against annexation because they did not want Cuba's large population of black and mixed race people to become American citizens.