Rachel+W.+-+PA+-+FA11

Stance: Imperialist

Occupation: Platt was a Connecticut Senator who was elected in 1879, 1889, 1891, 1897, and 1903. While in the senate he served on the Patents, Pensions, Territories, Cuban Relations, and Judiciary Committees. He was popular in the senate and known as one of the “Senate Four” due to his influence within the body.

Position on Issue: When concerned with current foreign affairs, Platt generally agreed with the president in office. Thus, at the time of disagreement over Cuba against Spain, he followed McKinley in his resistance to promote military intervention. However, once the Spanish- American War started Platt changed courses and supported the use of the military and wanted the acquisition of the Philippines. This was shown in his creation of the Platt Amendment in 1901 which was later included in the Cuban Constitution in 1902 much to the Cubans resistance. This required Cuba to heavily rely on America. He also promoted the exploitation of islands to increase trade and expanding America.

List of Reasons for Interest in Topic: Platt was interested in expansion because he served on the Cuban Relations territories committee within the Senate. While there, he created his most famous bill, the Platt Amendment. This stated Cuba could not transfer any land to any nation but the United States, may not contract an immense foreign debt, could not create treaties with other countries that would restrict its independence, may sell or lease to the US any coaling or naval stations, should cease other countries from colonizing there, and allow United States to intervene in Cuban affairs when deemed necessary. This showed he wanted Cuba to be forced to rely on the US showing an imperialist viewpoint. Additionally, he contracted an imperialist view while serving on the Territories committee in the senate. To add to it, he played a vital part in annexing Hawaii thus continued his opinions when discussing the Philippines.

Works Cited: "Orville Hitchcock Platt." Infoplease.com. Web. 08 Nov. 2011. . "Platt Amendment." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, 7 Nov. 2011. Web. 08 Nov. 2011. . Roth, David M. "Orville Hitchcock Platt." Connecticut's Heritage Gateway. Web. 08 Nov. 2011. .