“At the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898, the United States found itself in control of several overseas territories, including Cuba…In April of 1898, Senator Henry M. Teller, of Colorado, proposed an amendment to the United States’ declaration of war against Spain, which stated that the United States would not establish permanent control over Cuba. The Teller Amendment asserted that the United States ‘hereby disclaims any disposition of intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over said island except for pacification thereof, and asserts its determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the government and control of the island to its people.’ The Senate adopted the amendment on April 19 [1898].”
“Platt Amendment (1903),” OurDocuments.gov