Why Does The United States Have A Military Base In Cuba At Guantanamo Bay?

The Guantanamo Bay military base in Cuba maintained by the United States has become notorious in recent years for its warehousing of alleged terrorists. The history of the base stretches back to 1898 when Cuba was part of the Spanish empire and was invaded by the United States as part of the Spanish-American war.

It began as a military camp occupied by U.S forces during the hostilities. In 1903, the United States signed an agreement with the new Cuban government, allowing it to maintain a naval station. Three years later, the treaty was revised again. The United States was now required to pay $2000 yearly for the lease of the base. In 1936, another revision was made which stated that the arrangement could only be brought to an end by the agreement of both parties.

Following the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista and the emergence of the Cuban revolution in 1959, the new Cuban government demanded the return of the base by the United States, and has consistently done so since then. The United States has refused to accede to this request, citing the provision of the 1936 treaty which requires the consent of both parties.