Cuban Independence

Before the War of Cuban Independence

During the time of Spanish control, the indigenous Arawak people were completely wiped out.

Despite the Spanish colonial rule of the island, opposition was not tolerated, and those who did oppose were imprisoned under cruel terms. This lead to a general discontent, set off by a freedom fighter by the name of Jose Marti. Marti was born in the mid eighteen hundreds in Havana, was imprisoned by the Spanish for years, and then began publicizing the stories of cruelty he endured while imprisoned. This set off the series of events that would lead to American involvement and a tide turning war.

The Spanish-American War

During the late eighteen hundreds, the island of Cuba, along with the island of Puerto Rico was all that remained of Spanish control in the Americas. While the country did hold these two islands, it would not for much longer. Because of the displeasure of Cuban residents, more and more people immigrated to the United States via Florida and began building power to fight back for Cuban independence. In fact, Jose Marti lived in the United States for a while before he eventually died in a battle for Cuban freedom.

Eventually, the United States made the decision to be involved in the fight and obtained both islands from the Spanish after winning the Spanish American War. As a direct result, America gave the island its independence and set up a freedom fighter by the name of Tomas Estrada Palma as president of the new nation.

As a result of gaining freedom for the island, the United States entered into a treaty with the Cuban government that would give the country a permanent lease on a stretch of Cuban land, which included Guantanamo Bay. This would be of benefit to the United States and would also allow protection of the Cuban people through the American military presence.

The treaty that was signed between the new president of Cuba and the government of the United States still stands, however, it has met with great opposition through the current communist government located on the island.

Without the larger country, it would be nearly impossible for Cuba to gain control of its own land from the Spanish. Therefore, the United States had a direct role in the Cuban Independence, largely due to the number of interests that the US owned on the island.

Cuban Independence Day

The end of Spanish control of Cuba happened on May 20, 1902, making this day a national holiday for the residents of the island. This day was largely set aside as a day of celebration, recognized in Cuba and in the United States as a Cuban holiday. Cuban Independence Day was celebrated for many years; however, it is no longer part of the island’s world.

When the communist ruler ship under the dictator, Fidel Castro, took over Cuba, it was ordered that Independence Day could no longer be celebrated. In fact, under Castro’s total rule, it is not even allowed to be mentioned in Cuba’s school history books. Because the island is no longer independent and falls under the rule of a different regime, its independence celebration is no more.

The day is no longer accepted as a national holiday in Cuba. In fact, the only Cubans who can celebrate on May 20 are those who reside in the United States, most of which escaped the island in the attempt to regain their freedom.

Although the island of Cuba once gained its independence as a direct impact of the United States winning the Spanish American War, the story of the independence is bittersweet in modern times. The island is only independent in name, subjected to the total control of a communist government. Because of this government, the society of Cuba has continued to spiral downward into poverty. This has lead to more and more Cubans seeking ways to escape to the United States, via Florida, which ironically, is the only place where these people can celebrate the Cuban day of Independence.

Not found what you're looking for?
Search for more detailed info in HAVANA-GUIDE

Custom Search