Commen the Mexican American War, Cuba was a subject among Spain and the United States. Spain held control of Cuba, and Cuba was seeking independence from Spain. The United States felt that it had some influence on Cuba due to the island's proximity to the mainland. Cuba is located South of the Florida coast. A treaty between Spain and the United States was made to end the war. These treaties established,“Cuba was supposedly independent; however, it was forced to accept the Platt Amendment that restricted Cuba’s right to make treaties with other nations and gave the United States the right to intervene in Cuban affairs” (Acuna 224). American capitalists had already seen Cuba as an opportunity for business ventures, such as the sugar industry. The United States also utilized the Guantanamo Bay in Cuba as a Navy base that is not only used as a place for American security but is also a place to keep an eye on Cuban affairs. Fulgencio Batista was the president of Cuba for a few terms. Cubans such as Fidel Castro, who became a leader of reform, did not like the idea of United States influence in the country. Castro did not agree with Batista’s rule and felt that he was corrupt and allowed the United States to intervene in Cuba. Castro wanted to improve the lives of Cubans and opposed the United States using Cuba for their benefit. Some of his impacts developmentally included, “He initiated a massive education and literacy campaign and poured resources into the health system” (Acuna 226). Castro believed that the United States was using Cuba for their wealth, rather than the wealth of people in Cuba. Castro aimed to benefit Cubans and create better healthcare, education, and improve mortality rates. Puerto Rico has been claimed as a colony of the United States. The United States military and financial corporations control Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has struggled for independence in many ways. The United States is allowed to intervene in Puerto Rico’s affairs. Puerto Rico used to be considered under rule of New Spain, an