United States interest in Cuba had wavered…

United States interest in Cuba had wavered throughout the century.

Early on, United States policy makers supported a Cuba under a weak Spain rather than in the hands of other European powers.

In mid-century, annexation became a temporary hope, only to be ended by the United States Civil War.

In the 1870s and 1880s, United States investments grew in Cuba as a result of the war.

Taking advantage of the bankruptcy of many Spanish and Cuban enterprises, United States capital has acquired sugar estates and mining interests.

When the expansion of European beet sugar production closes this market for Cuban sugar, the United States becomes the largest and most important buyer of the island's crop.

The depressed world price of raw sugar ruins many Cuban producers and facilitates United States economic penetration.

The McKinley Tariff of 1890, which places raw sugar on the free list, leads to an increase in Cuban- American trade and especially to the expansion of sugar production.

Although by 1895 control of the economy is still largely in the hands of the Spaniards, United States capital and influence, particularly in the sugar industry, are dominant.