The first president of the independent Cuban republic was Estrada Palma, who took office in 1902. Even so, the U.S. retained the legal right to intervene in Cuban affairs, in accordance with the Platt Amendment. They built two naval bases, one of which (Guantánamo Bay) is currently still operating. The US also began investing in Cuba’s economy, with many Cuban enterprises passing to American hands. The next years were difficult ones as economic dependence on the US did not sit well with many Cubans and led to revolts, which in turn led to further US military occupations.

Cuba’s sugar industry boomed during World War I when Europe’s crops failed, however this peak did not last and an economic slump soon followed, together with political turmoil, particularly regarding fraudulent elections and corruption.