Cuban Independence

Cuba

An island nation in the Caribbean Sea, south of the United States and east of Mexico.

Cuban Independence

The process by which Cuba and its people sought to gain autonomy from Spanish rule, culminating in 1902.

Spanish-American War

A conflict in 1898 in which the US intervened in Cuba's struggle for independence, resulting in Spain relinquishing control.

Aponte Conspiracy

An 1812 slave revolt led by Jose Antonio Aponte against Spanish rule, which was ultimately crushed.

Haitian Revolution

A successful slave revolt in 1791 that led to Haiti's independence and influenced emancipation thoughts in Cuba.

Platt Amendment

An 1898 amendment to the Cuban constitution allowing US intervention in Cuban affairs.

Criollos

Cuban-born Spanish descent settlers who resented Spanish taxes and martial law.

Peninsulares

Spanish-born settlers in the colonies, generally considered elite and loyal to Spain.

Slave Rebellions

Uprisings by enslaved Africans in Cuba seeking freedom and independence from their oppressors.

Guerilla Tactics

Strategies used by leaders like Jose Marti during the Cuban independence movement, focusing on hit-and-run attacks.

Cash Crops

Crops, such as sugar and tobacco, cultivated for commercial value, essential to Cuba's economic development during colonial times.

Bolivarian Movement

An early 19th-century movement led by Simon Bolivar aimed at liberating South American countries from Spanish rule.

Colonialism

The practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country, exploiting it economically.

Spanish Repression

Brutal measures enforced by Spanish authorities to suppress rebellion and maintain control in Cuba.

Mambises

Cuban guerrilla fighters who fought during the wars for independence from Spanish rule.

Cuban Caste System

A social hierarchy in colonial Cuba, categorizing individuals into groups based on race and ethnicity.

Jose Marti

A Cuban revolutionary leader who advocated for independence and unity among Cuban people against colonial rule.

Economic Exploits

Spain’s use of Cuba’s natural resources and labor for significant profit, particularly through sugar production.

Corruption

Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, undermining democratic processes in post-independence Cuba.