In 1903, the Republic of Cuba entered into a lease agreement with the United States, granting the US the right to use Guantánamo Bay as a naval base. This decision stemmed from the geopolitical context established after the Spanish-American War, where the US emerged as a dominant power in the Caribbean region. The lease was formalized under the Platt Amendment, which was an amendment to the Cuban constitution that aimed to protect American interests in Cuba, while also ensuring that Cuba could not make treaties compromising its independence.

The terms of the lease specified that the United States would have control over the Guantánamo Bay area indefinitely, and in exchange, the US made an annual payment to Cuba, which was initially set at $2,000. Over time, this payment would be deemed insufficient by many Cubans, leading to various disputes over sovereignty and American influence in Cuban affairs. The base established at Guantánamo Bay would become one of the most strategic military locations under US control, serving various purposes throughout the 20th century, including a naval operating base and later as a detention facility.

The lease has continued to spark controversy and strife between Cuba and the United States, which has seen several changes in leadership and policy over the years. While Cuba asserts that the lease was signed under duress, the US continues to maintain its presence there, viewing it as vital for its military operations in the region. This lease ultimately placed Guantánamo Bay at the center of US-Cuban relations, complicating diplomatic efforts and influencing attitudes on both sides for over a century.