Essay On Cuba's Desire For Liberation

Since its discovery and conquering in 1511-15 Cuba has, up until its alleged liberation in 1901 by the United States of America, remained oppressed under the rule of the Spanish empire. During this period the country has made attempts to secure its freedom and it is for this reason that Cuba acts as perfect example of a significant historical protest in its fight for independence against Spanish colonisation. When attempting to further understand the motives behind Cuba’s desire for liberation we must first determine the various oppressions imposed on the nation as a whole as well as the obstacles presented before it in the form of Spain and other neighbouring countries, such as the United States of America.

Before the abolishment of slavery in 1886, Cuba found itself hesitant in its pursuit of liberation from Spain. In the wake of the Haitian defeat, the country feared that to become independent and risk a similar situation would not only close in a bloody revolt but would be detrimental to its economy, as slaves accounted for a large amount of workers in the manufacturing of Cuba’s sugar exports.

Finally with the introduction of the Platt Amendment, a document implementing various policies for the newly liberated Cuba by the US, raises the question

Following both the economic crisis and tax increases in the 1860s,

This was of course until 1789 when black slaves in pursuit of their own independence took part in a bloody revolt that saw the Haitian economy crumble and the country’s sugar industry decline.

Following the abolishment of slavery, Cubans no longer lived in fear of the slave revolt endured by their neighbours in Haiti. And it is here that that the country took part in its second war for independence, led by the infamous Jose