Between Ayacucho and the Maine The late focus of independence independence

Abstract

At the end of the 19th century, Cuba was a bone of contention, in the United States, in Cuba and in Spain, diverse and conflicting interests and conflicting interests united in the common desire to control the island's common desire to control the political future of the island. The debate and actions on Cuba focused on three fundamental propositions: to maintain its fundamental propositions: maintaining its status as a colony of Spain, declaring Spain, to declare independence and to change its ownership. owner. The first organised mobilisations began of the Creoles who no longer sought only participation, but also control of political power. control of political power. Later, the so-called ‘war’, which brought about political, social and economic changes that created the decisive economic changes that created decisive conditions for the definitive break with Spain. with Spain. In February 1895, the final war broke out. final war broke out. In January 1898, the law on the autonomous government of Cuba came into force. government of Cuba came into force, which was rejected by the Cubans and by the island's peninsulars. the island's peninsulars. American intervention, after the blowing up of the Maine in Havana harbour, was decisive in bringing about the surrender of the Spanish forces within a few months. Spanish forces. Cuba was finally separated from Spain. The constitutional amendment, passed in 1901, defined its role as the guardian <.le 1:1 ln<.lcpen<.lcnda of Cuba, which it would play control of its finances, health and internal order. health and internal order, with the right to :1 Intervene mllltarily when the situation so requires.