The Teller Amendment
The Teller Amendment (1898), sponsored by Republican senator Henry M. Teller of Colorado, was adopted along with congressional authorization, 20 April 1898, for the use of U.S. military force to establish Cuban independence from Spain, following President William McKinley's request for force on 11 April.In the amendment, the United States disclaimed any “intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction or control over [Cuba] except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its determination when that is accomplished to leave the government and control of the island to its people.”
Teller was a friend of Cuban independence and had unsuccessfully supported U.S. recognition of the Cuban insurgents. The unanimous adoption of his amendment reflected considerable opposition to the annexation of Cuba on various grounds—racial, cultural, and economic (competition with U.S. sugar growers). It did not apply...
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