Historical Encyclopedia
The Second Cuban War of Independence, also known as “The War of 1895”, began on February 24, 1895, and lasted until August 12, 1898. This war was a decisive stage in the struggle of the Cuban people for independence from Spanish colonial rule and had a significant impact on the history not only of Cuba but of the entire Latin American region.
The reasons for the Second Cuban War of Independence are rooted in the failures of the first war (1868-1878), during which Cuba did not achieve its independence. Over the next two decades, Cubans continued to experience oppression and exploitation by the Spanish authorities. Key factors that contributed to the outbreak of the war include:
The Second Cuban War of Independence began on February 24, 1895, with an attack by Cuban rebels led by José Martí, Antonio Machado, and Gustavo Machado on Spanish positions. They proclaimed the necessity of liberating Cuba from Spanish rule. This event signaled the start of a massive uprising across the island.
One of the key strategies of the rebels was the use of the "scorched earth" principle, similar to the tactics used during the first war. This meant destroying all resources that could assist the Spanish forces and creating difficult conditions for conducting military operations against Cuban forces.
Throughout the war, many significant events occurred that influenced its course:
The first major battle took place in March 1895 and was symbolic for the Cuban rebels. Under Machado's command, the rebels achieved victory over Spanish forces, which boosted the morale of the Cubans and attracted new supporters to the cause of independence.
The Spanish authorities quickly responded to the uprising by sending additional troops to Cuba, led by General Valeriano Weyler. In 1896, a large-scale counteroffensive campaign began, aimed at suppressing Cuban resistance. Spanish forces used brutal methods, including the destruction of villages and the forced relocation of the local population to concentration camps.
The conflict drew the attention of the international community, particularly the USA, which began to take an interest in the fate of Cuba. American public opinion supported the Cubans, and many political leaders began advocating for US intervention. This created tensions between Spain and the USA, which ultimately played an important role in the outcome of the war.
In 1898, after the USS Maine incident in Havana, the USA declared war on Spain. American forces entered the conflict on the side of the Cuban rebels. Important events during the war included the Battle of Santiago de Cuba, where American and Cuban troops achieved a decisive victory over Spanish forces.
The war ended on August 12, 1898, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Spain recognized Cuba's independence; however, this did not mean complete liberation. As a result of the war, the USA gained control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, which led to an increase in their influence in the Caribbean region.
Cuba formally became independent but was effectively placed under American protectorate. This created contradictions and tensions among Cubans, as many expected complete independence and freedom rather than a new colonial control.
The Second Cuban War of Independence was an important stage in the formation of Cuban national identity. It propelled Cubans towards active resistance against colonial rule and contributed to the emergence of new political and social movements. The war also strengthened ideas of independence and self-governance, which later formed the basis for future revolutionary movements.
Cuba continued to be under the influence of the USA, leading to dissatisfaction among Cubans. This discontent would eventually culminate in the Cuban Revolution of 1959, when Fidel Castro seized power, initiating a new era in the history of Cuba.
The Second Cuban War of Independence played a key role in shaping Cuban identity and the struggle for independence. It marked the final stage of the Cubans' fight against Spanish colonial rule and initiated a new period in the country's history, ultimately leading to revolution and changes in Cuba's political structure.