At the close of the 19th century, Connecticut senator Orville Platt held a place of distinction among his contemporaries in the Senate. As one of the Senate Four, a powerful group of Republican senators who dominated the institution during the time, the experienced Platt was an influential leader. During a long Senate career that spanned more than 25 years, Platt was known for his honesty and directness. In 1901, he gained national fame as the author of the Platt Amendment, which dealt with the provisions of establishing American intervention in Cuba.
