Question

Why was cuba made a protectorate of the united states rather than given its own sovereignty?

Answer 1

Reflected the concern that the McKinley administration might try and make Cuba an American possession rather than granting it it's independence. Armistice ... The significance of the platt amendment it made Cuba a protectorate of the U.S. in 1902, which contradicts the teller amendment from 1898.

Answer 2

United States made Cuba a protectorate to best serve its interests. By enforcing the Teller amendment that that ensures that U.s would not control the island except for pacification but the Platt amendment grant them the right to buy or lease land for the coaling station and naval bases. U.S intervention was always there which could not be held by granting Sovereignty.