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

The Role of Afro-Cubans in the Formation of Cuba inductionIn the formation of the Cuban nation, the role of Afro-Cubans is undeniably of great importance. The winner and riches obtained by Cuba as a Spanish colony would prolong been unthinkable without the exploitation of African slave labor. Even before emancipation, in that location were key figures in the Cuban independence movement, such as Antonio Maceo, who were turn 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 verse to fight in the sac Army. Yet in the victory over the Spanish in 1898, Afro-Cubans were effrontery little recognition for their overwhelming support, and were bypassed for positions of authority during the American occupation. The Americans generally name white Cuban exiles or Spanish soldiers over Afro-Cubans, destroying the hopes many had of finally receiving their rightful share, in the words of histor ian Aline Helg. Helgs book 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 disposition was drafted declaring all men equal, and granting universal male suffrage. Yet whites still dominate the positions of power in Cuba, and justified themselves by adhering to a myth that racial equality 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 theatrical 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 warmth themselves and recognize their personal value then they had to love their families, then, their race and then, tho after all this, their homeland (241). The myth, or m aybe ideal of racial equality and unity had been forgotten. The failure of Afro-Cubans to attain equality in Cuba was the leave behind 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 lead to the violent response to the Partido Independiente de Color. The ideal of fraternity between the races, held by the Cuban revolutionary 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 service Hill, 1995.