Sugar Intervention

Sugar Intervention refers to the period from 1917 to 1922 when the United States intervened in Cuba's sugar industry. The intervention was a significant event in the history of U.S.-Cuba relations and had lasting impacts on both countries' economies and political landscapes.

Background

The Sugar Intervention began in the context of World War I, when the global demand for sugar increased dramatically. Cuba, a major sugar producer, was unable to meet this demand due to internal instability and economic challenges. The U.S., seeking to secure a stable sugar supply for its own needs and for its allies, decided to intervene in Cuba's sugar industry.

Intervention

The U.S. intervention took several forms. The U.S. government provided financial aid to Cuban sugar plantations, helped modernize Cuba's sugar production methods, and sent American administrators to oversee the industry. The U.S. also imposed tariffs on sugar imports from other countries, giving Cuban sugar a competitive advantage in the U.S. market.

Impact

The Sugar Intervention had significant impacts on both the U.S. and Cuba. For the U.S., it ensured a stable sugar supply during a critical time. For Cuba, it brought a temporary economic boom, but also increased dependence on the U.S. and exacerbated social and economic inequalities.

Aftermath

The Sugar Intervention ended in 1922, but its effects lingered. The U.S.'s deep involvement in Cuba's economy contributed to resentment and anti-American sentiment among Cubans, which would later play a role in the Cuban Revolution. The intervention also set a precedent for future U.S. interventions in Latin America.

See also

• United States occupation of Cuba
• Platt Amendment
• Cuban Revolution