The Spark of Cuban Independence: The Grito de Baire and Its Aftermath

The Catalyst of Cuban Discontent

On February 24th, 1895, a significant event occurred in the Cuban village of Baire that would mark the beginning of the Cuban War of Independence. This event, known as the Grito de Baire, was a declaration of Cuba's desire to break free from Spanish rule. A major factor that pushed Cuba towards this declaration was the Wilson-Gorman Tariff of 1894, which imposed a crippling 40% tax on sugar imports into the United States. Given that sugar was Cuba's chief export and the U.S. was its primary market, this tariff had a devastating impact on the Cuban economy. This economic downturn exacerbated poverty among Cubans, while the Spanish elite remained largely unaffected. This disparity highlighted the failure of reforms implemented during the Ten Years' War to address the underlying economic issues plaguing the country.

The Insurgency and Spanish Response

In response to the dire situation, insurgents led by General Maximo Gomez began fighting against Spanish rule. Gomez believed that the economic strain of maintaining control over Cuba would eventually force Spain to grant independence. However, Spain responded by sending 150,000 men to Cuba in 1895, initiating a brutal crackdown. In 1896, General Valeriano Weyler implemented the Reconcentración policy, forcing Cubans into camps to limit insurgent support. This policy led to the deaths of an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 Cubans due to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions, drawing international condemnation and creating animosity towards Spain in the United States.

The Role of the Media and U.S. Sentiment

Cuban refugees played a crucial role in gaining U.S. public support by spreading exaggerated stories of Spanish atrocities, which were then sensationalized in the press by publishers like William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. Despite the growing public demand for intervention, Presidents Grover Cleveland and William McKinley were initially reluctant to declare war on Spain. However, the situation escalated, and McKinley, influenced by public demand and the Cuban crisis, attempted diplomatic negotiations with Spain that ultimately failed.

The Path to War

The publication of a critical letter about President McKinley by Spanish Minister Enrique Dupuy de Lôme and the mysterious explosion of the USS Maine in Havana harbor further inflamed tensions. The U.S. Navy's inquiry suggested a mine caused the explosion, contradicting a Spanish investigation that pointed to an internal cause. Despite Spain's willingness to offer compensation and an armistice, the American public and government demanded more, leading to the formal declaration of war against Spain on April 25th, 1898.

Conclusion: A New World Power Emerges

The Spanish-American War, sparked by the struggle for Cuban independence and fueled by economic interests and media sensationalism, marked the emergence of the United States as a world power committed to protecting its overseas possessions. This transition towards aggressive expansionism reflected a significant shift in American foreign policy and had lasting implications for international relations.

For more insights into the complex events leading up to the Cuban War of Independence and the Spanish-American War, watch the full analysis here.