The treaty in question faced strong criticism from various opponents who viewed it as an imperialistic move to exert control over a foreign territory. They argued that this action contradicted the fundamental American values of freedom and self-determination. This disapproval highlighted a significant ethical dilemma within American foreign policy during that time.

In Stephen Kinzer's book "Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq," the narrative explores how this treaty exemplified a broader pattern of American interventionism. The author examines how such actions have historically undermined the nation's moral standing while pursuing expansionist ambitions that often disregarded the autonomy of other nations.