How was the united states connected to cuba in the 1890s?

      Cuba had been a country of interest for Americans for many years prior to the 1890s. Because it was only 90 miles from the tip of Florida, many Americans believed it to be a natural extension of the US. During the 1890s it became a profitable source of trade for American businessmen. After the Cuban revolt against Spain ended the Americans poured investments over $50 million into Cuba and became the biggest purchaser of Cuban sugar.  The US removed tariffs making sugar cheap for Americans to buy. Both the US and the Cuban economies benefited and  the trade increased to $100 million. The depression of 1893, however, had a negative effect on both economies.