Rise 1
How much did the US originally offer to Spain for Cuba? and then how much?
$100 million then $130 million
True or false, the Haitian revolution DIRECTLY led to the Aponte rebellion (that was led by José Antonio Aponte to overthrow Spain
False, the Aponte rebellion came 20 years later (1791 vs 1812). However, the Haitian revolution INSPIRED the Aponte rebellion
Who was elected as the first president of the 'Republic of Cuba in Arms'? and when?
Céspedes in 1869 by rebel constituent assembly which provided a provisional govt and insurgence.
- He was later deposed in 1873 which caused more internal division. Then killed in 1874 which made him into a martyr/symbol for the movement
How did the Cubans use economic warfare?
By burning sugar plantations, railways, and mills to cripple Cuba’s economy and weaken Spain’s financial incentive to remain.
Did Cuban's gain independence?
Yes - from Spain.
Then USA came and choked them.
Who/which family started the 10 years' war (Cuban's 1st war of Independence)
Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (Céspedes family)
Who was Simón Bolívar?
He was a militia officer - he led several Latin American countries to Independence in the 1820s and inspired the movements in Cuba (as well as highlighting how isolated Cuba was as one of Spain's only colonies left)
What role did guerrilla warfare play in the Cuban struggle against Spain?
Cuban rebels used hit-and-run tactics, knowledge of terrain, and mobility to offset Spain’s superior army.
What was the role of propaganda and exile organisation led by José Martí?
To unify support, raise funds, and gain international backing—especially from the U.S.—through writing, speeches, and political organisation.
What were the 2 main things that allowed US intervention in Cuba?
Platt Amendment (allowed for direct govt intervention) and Reciprocity Treaty (solidified US economic dominance over Cuba as they had less taxes/tariffs or smth)
Who were the 3 leaders of the 2nd war of Independence? and like who WERE they?
José Martí - Cuban intellectual reader, former of Cuban Revolutionary Party in NYC. Máximo Gomez - Dominican-born soldier, military strategist specifically guerilla. Antonio Maceo - Afro-cuban, "Bronze-titan," racial equality. You could also say Calixto García.
What ended the 1st war of Independence in 1878? and what were the impacts of it on Cuban Independence?
Pact of Zanjon - truce between Spain and Cuba granted them some concessions. Some refused anything from Spain, causing the protest of Baragua (also 1878) led by General Maceo - symbol of resistance
What effect did the Escalera Rebellion have on the movement?
It was anti-slavery. Had such severe repression from Spain that it weakened/fractured the independence movement.
How did Cuban rebels adapt their methods after early failures in the Ten Years’ War?
They became more coordinated, used better guerrilla tactics, focused on nationwide strategy, and prioritized unity of leadership to avoid fragmentation.
What political divisions challenged the Cuban independence movement?
Regionalism between eastern and western provinces, rivalries among revolutionary leaders, and disagreements over strategies (armed vs. political methods) weakened unity.
How did the explosion of the USS Maine contribute to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, and why is its cause debated?
The explosion in Havana Harbor was blamed on Spain by U.S. media, fueling public support for war (“Remember the Maine”); however, its cause remains debated, with later investigations suggesting it may have been accidental rather than a Spanish attack.
What role did José Martí play in the Cuban independence movement before 1898?
Martí organized and unified Cuban resistance from exile, founded the Cuban Revolutionary Party, and promoted independence through ideology and propaganda before dying early in the war (1895).
What did the Manefiesto de Montecristi outline? - name 3 things
- Unity between all races of Cuba
- complete independence from Spanish colonial rule
- republic for all cubans
- End to foreign economic and military control, particularly opposing potential U.S. dominance.
- Spaniards who did not oppose the independence effort should be spared
- New economic life for the nation
What was the purpose of the invasion of western Cuba (1895–1896) led by Antonio Maceo and Máximo Gómez?
To spread the war beyond the east, destroy wealth in the west, and make Spanish control economically unsustainable.
How did international and foreign factors challenge Cuba’s independence?
Limited foreign recognition, reliance on U.S. sympathy and funding, and intervention that sometimes prioritized foreign interests over Cuban autonomy.
To what extent did the Teller Amendment contradict later U.S. actions in Cuba?
The Teller Amendment promised the U.S. would not annex Cuba, supporting Cuban independence; however, later policies like the Platt Amendment limited Cuban sovereignty, allowing U.S. intervention—showing a clear contradiction.
How significant was Weyler's Reconcentration Policy in turning U.S. public opinion against Spain compared to other factors?
Weyler’s policy, forcing rural Cubans into concentration camps, generated widespread sympathy and outrage in the U.S., especially when reported by yellow journalism. However, while highly significant in shaping public opinion, it worked alongside other key factors like economic interests, the USS Maine explosion, and sensationalist media. Therefore, it was a major contributing factor but not the sole cause of U.S. intervention.
To what extent was U.S. intervention a continuation of Cuban revolutionary methods rather than a separate external factor?
U.S. intervention built upon Cuban methods (economic disruption, military resistance, propaganda) by amplifying them with naval and military power. However, it also marked a shift, as the outcome reflected U.S. strategic interests, limiting full Cuban autonomy rather than purely completing Cuban revolutionary aims.
How did Cuban rebels adapt communication and intelligence methods to overcome Spanish surveillance and control?
Rebels used secret networks, coded messages, and local informants to coordinate movements, plan attacks, and gather information on Spanish troop positions. This allowed small, mobile forces to effectively execute guerrilla tactics despite Spain’s numerical and logistical advantages.
To what extent did disease and harsh environmental conditions affect the Cuban independence movement?
Tropical diseases like malaria and yellow fever, along with difficult terrain (swamps, mountains), caused high casualties among both rebels and Spanish troops. These conditions slowed campaigns, disrupted logistics, and forced reliance on local knowledge—but rebels adapted through mobility and local support, so the challenge was serious but not insurmountable.