The Role of Afro-Cubans in the Formation of Cuba Essays -- History Cub

The Role of Afro-Cubans in the Formation of CubaIntroductionIn the formation of the Cuban nation, the role of Afro-Cubans is undeniably of great importance. The success and wealthiness obtained by Cuba as a Spanish colony would have been unimaginable without the exploitation of African slave labor. Even before emancipation, there were give away figures in the Cuban independence move handst, such as Antonio Maceo, who were free men of Afro-Cuban origin. After emancipation in 1886, Afro-Cuban ex-slaves showed their enthusiasm for their future in Cuba by volunteering in large numbers to fight in the Liberation Army. to date in the victory over the Spanish in 1898, Afro-Cubans were given half-size recognition for their overwhelming support, and were bypassed for positions of authority during the American occupation. The Americans gener everyy appointed clear Cuban exiles or Spanish soldiers over Afro-Cubans, destroying the hopes many had of finally receiving their just share, in t he words of historian Aline Helg. Helgs make Our Rightful Share The Afro-Cuban Struggle for Equality, 1886-1912, discusses these repeated disappointments felt by Afro-Cubans.In 1902 Cubans were at last free to govern themselves, and a constitution was drafted declaring all men equal, and granting universal male suffrage. Yet freshs still dominated the positions of force in Cuba, and justified themselves by adhering to a myth that racial equating had been established (Helg, 70). Dissatisfied with their lot, Afro-Cubans again participated in large numbers in a revolution, this time under the liberal Jose Miguel Gomez, who promised them improved representation in government positions. Following the disappointment surrounding the 1908 elections, Afro-Cubans began to d... ...top sacrificing everything for the good of Cuba. They had to love themselves and know their personal value then they had to love their families, then, their race and then, only after(prenominal) all this, thei r homeland (241). The myth, or maybe ideal of racial comparability and unity had been forgotten. The failure of Afro-Cubans to attain equality in Cuba was the result of a racist societal hierarchy dominated by a white upper class. The more Afro-Cubans pushed for reforms, the more whites resisted. Eventually, Afro-Cuban tactics became more radical, which led to the lashing response to the Partido Independiente de Color. The ideal of fraternity between the races, held by the Cuban radical heroes Maceo and Marti, was not able to survive. Resources Helg, Aline. Our Rightful Share The Afro-Cuban Struggle for Equality, 1886-1912. UNC Press, Chapel Hill, 1995.