Cuban and Indian Independence Movements: Causes, Key Figures, and Outcomes

What were the causes of failure in the Ten Years' War?

Lack of unity, regional divisions, elite resistance, limited resources, and continued slavery.

What percentage of rebel forces were black and mixed-race soldiers?

30-60%

Who was a crucial leader among black rebels in Cuban independence?

Antonio Maceo

What event triggered U.S. intervention in the Spanish-American War?

The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor.

What did the Teller Amendment state?

The U.S. would not annex Cuba.

Who founded the Cuban Revolutionary Party?

José Martí

What was the impact of the Haitian Revolution on Cuba?

It led to massive sugar expansion and stricter racial controls.

What did the Manifesto of Montecristo call for?

Cuban independence and possible U.S. annexation.

What was the Spanish caste system in Cuba?

A racial hierarchy determining political power and legal rights.

What were the terms of the Pact of Zanjón?

Limited political reform and some emancipation measures, but no independence.

Who declared independence in 1868 and marked the start of the Ten Years' War?

Carlos Manuel de Céspedes

What was General Weyler's reconcentration policy?

Forcing rural civilians into fortified towns to starve rebels.

What were the outcomes of the Treaty of Paris in 1898?

Spain gave up Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

What were the goals of the Soles y Rayos de Bolívar movement?

To end Spanish rule and create a Cuban republic.

What was the purpose of the trocha militar?

To block rebel movement during the Ten Years' War.

Who led the Aponte Conspiracy?

José Antonio Aponte

What caused the economic crisis of 1920-21 in Cuba?

Collapse of sugar prices after WWI.

What was Cuba's primary export?

Sugar

What was the racial composition of rebel forces in Cuba?

Majority were Afro-Cuban.

What slogan became associated with the USS Maine?

"Remember the Maine!"

What was the Partido de Independiente de Color (PIC)?

The first Black political party in the Americas.

What characterized Gerardo Machado's presidency?

Initially promised reforms but became authoritarian.

What rights did the Platt Amendment grant the U.S.?

Intervene militarily, veto foreign treaties, control finances, and maintain a naval base.

How did the racial hierarchy affect independence movements?

Elite fear of Black uprising limited support for early independence.

What was the Cuban elites' reaction to the Haitian Revolution?

Fear of a similar revolt led to support for continued slavery.

How did Spain exploit racial divisions in Cuba?

By portraying Black leaders as violent to scare elites.

What was the impact of sugar plantations on Cuban independence?

Wealthy plantations relied on slavery and prioritized economic stability.

How did the caste system influence politics in Cuba?

It determined political representation and militia participation.

What caused the failure of early independence movements (1820s-1850s)?

Lack of elite support, Spanish military strength, and deep racial divisions.

What was the purpose of the trocha militar during the Ten Years' War?

To prevent rebel armies from moving west.

How was labor used in the construction of the trocha militar?

Built using enslaved workers, forced labor, and imprisoned rebels.

What was the persistence of slavery in Cuba until 1886?

Strong plantation economy made elites resistant to abolition.

What was the impact of French refugees from Saint-Domingue on Cuba?

Introduced advanced sugar techniques and fueled Cuba's sugar boom.

What rights did the Platt Amendment grant regarding U.S. naval bases?

Allowed U.S. to lease land for naval stations, including Guantánamo Bay.

How did the British use caste and religion for control in India?

By institutionalizing caste categories and emphasizing religious identities.

What was the effect of de-industrialization in colonial India?

Traditional industries collapsed, leading to loss of livelihoods for artisans.

What is the significance of the terminology used for the 1857 uprising?

"Sepoy Mutiny" emphasizes military revolt, while "Indian Rebellion" indicates broader resistance.

What does the term 'Sepoy Mutiny' refer to?

A British term emphasizing a military revolt.

What does 'Indian Rebellion' signify?

A broader political resistance.

How is the 'First War of Independence' framed?

As a nationalist perspective.

What crops did the British promote for economic reasons?

Indigo, opium, cotton, jute, and tea.

What were the consequences of promoting cash crops in India?

Food shortages, monoculture, and rural poverty.

What happened to Indians after the abolition of slavery?

They were shipped as indentured labor to plantations abroad.

What criticism arose regarding indentured labor?

Horrific working conditions led to nationalist criticism.

What was the role of the Indian Civil Service (ICS)?

An elite bureaucracy dominated by British officers.

Why were ICS posts difficult for Indians to access?

Exams were held in London.

What impact did British taxation have on rural poverty?

Created debt cycles, forced land sales, and famines.

What was the purpose of the large Indian army under British officers?

To maintain internal control and fight British wars abroad.

What was the impact of British trade policies on Indian textiles?

Indian textiles faced discrimination and collapsed due to machine-made goods.

What change occurred after the 1857 rebellion regarding the East India Company?

The British government took direct control, abolishing the EIC.

How did the Congress ideology shift after the Bengal partition in 1905?

From moderate politics to radical, mass-based nationalism.

What was the significance of the partition of Bengal in 1905?

It created unprecedented Hindu-Muslim unity against colonial policies.

What did the Morley-Minto Reforms introduce?

Separate electorates for Muslims.

What was the Muslim League's stance during WWII?

They supported the British war effort for post-war concessions.

What was the strategic importance of the Salt March in 1930?

It symbolized unjust colonial rule and transformed the independence struggle.

How did Gandhi's satyagraha differ from traditional resistance?

It focused on nonviolent resistance based on truth and mass participation.

What was the Khilafat Movement's role in nationalism?

It united millions of Muslims in the nationalist movement.

What led to the ending of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922?

The Chauri Chaura incident where protesters turned violent.

What was the impact of the Communal Award issued in 1932?

It reinforced communal divisions in politics.

Why did Congress reject the Cripps Mission proposal in 1942?

It delayed independence and allowed provinces to secede.

What was the political consequence of the INA trials from 1945-46?

They sparked public sympathy and unrest, building national unity.

Why did Congress accept partition in 1947?

Due to escalating communal violence and failing coalition governments.

What role did Lord Mountbatten play in Indian independence?

He accelerated the transfer of power and mediated between Congress and the Muslim League.

What was the impact of Direct Action Day on communal relations?

It led to massive rioting and destroyed hopes of Hindu-Muslim cooperation.

How did violence differ in Punjab compared to Bengal during partition?

Punjab experienced extreme massacres and ethnic cleansing, while Bengal had less organized violence.

What challenge did princely states pose post-independence?

They had to choose between India or Pakistan, threatening territorial unity.

What were the effects of Gandhi's assassination in 1948?

It shocked the nation, weakened Hindu extremist groups, and strengthened Nehru's influence.

What significance did the 1950 Indian Constitution hold?

It established a sovereign, democratic republic with universal suffrage.

What controversies arose regarding language post-independence?

Debates over national language led to anti-Hindi agitations.

What was the long-term impact of the Green Revolution?

It dramatically increased food production and made India self-sufficient in grain.

What was the purpose of the Act of Union (1801)?

To abolish the Irish Parliament and merge Ireland into the United Kingdom.

What were the goals of the Catholic Association founded by Daniel O'Connell?

To achieve Catholic emancipation, tenant rights, and reduce Protestant Ascendancy power.

Who dominated Ireland socially and politically during the 19th century?

The Protestant Ascendancy.

What was the effect of the Catholic Emancipation Act (1829)?

Allowed Catholics to sit in Parliament and hold public office, but increased property qualifications for voting.

What caused the Tithe War in the 1830s?

Catholics were required to pay tithes to the Anglican Church, leading to widespread resistance.

What was the Great Famine (1845-52) and its impact?

A potato blight destroyed the main food source, leading to over 1 million deaths and 1 million emigrants.

What were the land ownership issues in Ireland?

Land was held by Protestant landlords; tenants faced eviction and high rents, contributing to rural poverty.

What did the Repeal Association aim to achieve?

To repeal the Act of Union and restore an Irish Parliament through peaceful means.

What were the post-1850 land issues for tenant farmers?

Lack of fixity of tenure, fair rents, and compensation for improvements.

What was Wolfe Tone's rebellion (1798) about?

An attempt to unite Catholics, Protestants, and Dissenters to end British rule.

What were the objectives of the ****** Brotherhood?

To establish an independent Irish republic through armed rebellion.

What methods did Daniel O'Connell use for reform?

Mass meetings, petitions, and legal campaigns, believing in moral pressure over violence.

What was the impact of the Great Famine on Irish nationalism?

Increased resentment towards Britain and shifted support towards more militant nationalism.

What role did the ****** Brotherhood play in North America?

Raised funds, recruited fighters, and launched raids into Canada.

What was the strategic reasoning behind the 1867 uprisings?

Belief that Britain was distracted by wars abroad and that Ireland's suffering made revolt likely.

What was the outcome of the Chester Castle raid failure (1867)?

Failed due to betrayal, leading to increased British security measures.

Who were the Manchester Martyrs?

Three ******* executed after a failed rescue attempt, becoming nationalist martyrs.

What were the consequences of the Clerkenwell Outrage (1867)?

Public opinion turned against ******* after a bomb killed civilians.

What was the significance of the Irish Church Act of 1869?

Disestablished the Anglican Church of Ireland, a major concession to Catholics.

What did Isaac Butt advocate for through the Home Government Association?

Home Rule, or Irish self-government within the UK.

What were the internal divisions in the Home Rule League?

Split between moderates and parliamentary obstructionists, weakening effectiveness.

What were the limitations of the 1870 Irish Land Act?

Offered compensation for improvements but did not provide fair rents or security of tenure.

What was the Land War (1879-82)?

Led by the Land League, it used boycotts and rent strikes to force land reforms.

What powers did the Irish Coercion Act of 1881 give to British authorities?

Allowed arrest without trial to suppress agrarian unrest.

What was the Kilmainham Treaty (1882)?

An agreement that improved relations between nationalists and Liberals by making concessions on rent.

How did Charles Stewart Parnell transform the Home Rule movement?

Transformed it into a disciplined political force using parliamentary obstruction.

What was the impact of the Phoenix Park murders (1882)?

Undermined cooperation between Parnell and Gladstone, damaging the Home Rule momentum.

What happened to the First Home Rule Bill (1886)?

Proposed limited self-government but was defeated by Liberal Unionists.

What was the fate of the Second Home Rule Bill (1893)?

Passed the House of Commons but was rejected by the House of Lords.

What delayed the Third Home Rule Bill during WWI?

It was passed in 1914 but suspended due to the war.