Cuba's demand for independence

Definition

Cuba's demand for independence refers to the political and social movement in the late 19th century, where Cubans sought to break free from Spanish colonial rule. This demand was fueled by a desire for self-governance, national identity, and economic control, leading to significant uprisings and ultimately the Spanish-American War. The quest for independence not only highlighted the struggles of the Cuban people but also attracted international attention and intervention, particularly from the United States, which had its own interests in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cuba's struggle for independence began with the Ten Years' War (1868-1878), a significant armed uprising against Spanish colonial rule.
2. Jose Marti is considered one of the most important figures in the fight for Cuban independence, leading efforts to unite various factions against Spain.
3. The role of yellow journalism played a pivotal part in stirring American public support for Cuba's independence, framing the conflict as a moral issue.
4. In 1895, a second war for independence began, which ultimately escalated into the Spanish-American War after the USS Maine explosion in Havana Harbor in 1898.
5. The aftermath of the war saw Cuba becoming a U.S. protectorate due to the Platt Amendment, which restricted its sovereignty while solidifying American influence in the region.

Review Questions

• How did Jose Marti influence Cuba's demand for independence from Spain?
  • Jose Marti was instrumental in shaping Cuba's demand for independence through his writings and activism. He emphasized the importance of unity among different revolutionary groups and inspired a generation of Cubans to fight against Spanish colonialism. His leadership and vision helped lay the groundwork for subsequent uprisings, highlighting both the cultural and political aspirations of Cubans yearning for self-determination.
• Discuss how yellow journalism affected U.S. involvement in Cuba's fight for independence.
  • Yellow journalism played a significant role in escalating tensions between the U.S. and Spain during Cuba's struggle for independence. Newspapers published sensationalized accounts of Spanish atrocities against Cubans, capturing public outrage and sympathy. This media frenzy contributed to mounting pressure on the U.S. government to intervene militarily, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.
• Evaluate the implications of the Platt Amendment on Cuba's sovereignty following its demand for independence.
  • The Platt Amendment had significant implications for Cuba's sovereignty after its struggle for independence from Spain. Although it ostensibly granted Cuba formal independence, it imposed restrictions that allowed the United States to intervene in Cuban affairs at will. This created a paradox where Cuba was recognized as an independent nation but remained heavily influenced by American political and economic interests, leading to ongoing tensions about national autonomy and identity.

Related terms

Jose Marti: A Cuban revolutionary leader and poet who played a crucial role in advocating for Cuba's independence from Spain, becoming a symbol of Cuban nationalism.

Yellow Journalism:

A type of sensationalist journalism that exaggerated news stories, particularly in the context of the Spanish-American War, influencing public opinion and U.S. intervention in Cuba.

Platt Amendment:

An amendment to the Cuban constitution that allowed the United States to intervene in Cuban affairs and established conditions for U.S. presence on the island following the Spanish-American War.