1898 Cuban Crisis: Loss of Colonies and its Impact on Spain
1898 Cuban Crisis: Loss of Colonies and its Impact on Spain
6.3 The 1898 Crisis and the Liquidation of Colonial Rule
6.3.1 Background
Shortly after Isabel II’s fall in October 1868, the Grito de Yara initiated Cuba’s “Long War.” Following the defeat of the Carlists during the reign of Alfonso XII, funds were diverted to the Cuban conflict, culminating in the Zanjón Peace (1878). General Martínez Campos granted amnesty and promised self-government, a promise never fulfilled.
The Cuban Liberal Party, formed by natives, fought for increased autonomy. In 1893, Maura’s autonomy project for Cuba was rejected due to conservative support for centralism.
More radical groups emerged, such as José Martí’s Cuban Revolutionary Party, advocating for complete independence.
6.3.2 The War
In 1895, despite hastily approved autonomous status, the Grito de Baire launched renewed war. Martínez Campos again led Spanish forces, facing disease, food shortages, and relentless guerrilla tactics.
From the outset, the United States supported the rebels, driven by clear commercial interests in the island.
In 1897, General Valeriano Weyler took command. Unable to control the island due to rebel infiltration and civilian support, he implemented a policy of dividing Cuba into sealed-off zones to prevent rebel movements.
To cut off civilian support, Weyler forced civilians into “concentration camps,” resulting in high mortality from disease and lack of supplies. While achieving near-total control, this success was short-lived due to U.S. intervention.
President Cleveland had offered to buy the island, but McKinley’s more aggressive administration aimed to oust Spain. Sagasta, who took power after Cánovas’ assassination (1897), approved full autonomy to avoid U.S. intervention. However, the demand to remove Weyler, and his replacement, General Blanco’s subsequent losses, weakened Spain’s position.
With the U.S. poised to intervene, the sinking of the battleship Maine in Havana harbor in February 1898, ostensibly protecting American commercial interests, provided the pretext for war. The U.S. blamed Spain, fueled by inflammatory press coverage on both sides.
The U.S. rejected a $300 million offer to buy the island, issuing an ultimatum demanding Cuban sovereignty, leading to a declaration of war on April 20.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, General Polavieja had suppressed uprisings, executing Liga Filipina leader José Rizal. On May 1, the Spanish fleet was destroyed at Cavite, and Manila was occupied on August 14.
The Spanish fleet at Santiago de Cuba was blockaded by the U.S. Admiral Cervera’s fleet was sunk, allowing the Americans to occupy Puerto Rico in July.
Spain lacked foreign support due to its “policy of retreat”—neutrality—during this period of conflict.
Following these defeats, Spain signed the Treaty of Paris (December 10, 1898), granting Cuban sovereignty and ceding the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico to the United States. The remaining Pacific islands were sold to Germany the following year.
6.3.3 Consequences of the “Disaster of Cuba”
1. A shift in foreign policy towards African intervention under Alfonso XIII.
2. A widespread moral crisis, replacing former glory with uncertainty.
3. Increased criticism of the Restoration fueled the Regenerationist movement, replacing old politicians with new figures like Joaquín Costa and F. Silvela.
4. The rise of nationalist political tendencies, particularly affecting Catalonia and its industries.