124 years ago today, on June 12, 1901 (April 26, 1901 in the lunar calendar), Cuba became a protectorate of the United States. On June 12, 1901, the Cuban Constitutional Conference voted 16: 11 to unconditionally accept the Platt Amendment. This amendment stipulates that Cuba shall not conclude any treaties that hinder its independence; When Cuba's independence is threatened, the United States will send troops to intervene. This amendment will also allow the United States to buy or lease sites in Cuba to establish naval bases or coal ports. McKinley's government officials are glad that Cuba can accept this plan, and they believe that the United States will withdraw its troops soon. In any case, officials also noticed this-the reality: Cuba, an island nation liberated from Spanish rule in 1898, can only withdraw its troops when a stable government is established and enough to maintain order on the island. Army Secretary Elihu Root, a strong supporter of the Platt Amendment, said of the characteristics of this constitutional conference: "For Cuba, this is the wisest and most patriotic action."