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Colonial Cuba in the 19th century (Sacarocrazy (Characterised by (Linked…
Colonial Cuba in the 19th century
Cuban Slavery
Consequences
Artistic, cultural
The Habanera - popular Cuban type of dance music - Spanish, European and African blend of music. Used by prestigious composers
Widespread corruption
Middle Passage
Lasting, damaging effects of the Middle Passagr
Remembered in biographies etc. more than any other
During this period Cuba became the most important place for the slave trade
Liberalised - anyone with a boat could go
Rise in demand for sugar lead to increase in slaves
First 20yr of 19th c - still legal
Huge increase in number of slaves from 1800-41
La Escalera - fear, outnumbered
Realisation wealth is based on a brutal, brittle system that could end badly
Repression
Sacarocrazy
Social rise of sugar producers and exporters - became powerful and influential
Most powerful colonial stakeholders
Counterweight to metropolitan authorities
Characterised by
Linked to Washington, Bolivar – some of the most liberal and progressive people of the time.
More liberal political ideas - but still advocate for slavery
Desire for open economy
Support of more progressive reforms
Strong defence of introduction of a freer domestic market
Included Spanish military and civil officials
Named by Manuel Moreno Fraginals, Cuban historian
Massive wealth - spectacular houses, dress
Military
Gradual militarisation of public and political life
The Captain General had more executive, judiciary and legislative powers - became most important person on island
Liberal reforms enacted in Spain did not happen in Cuba e.g. freedom of speech, press
Rights denied
Constitutions
Spanish Constitution of 1812
Described the Spanish nation as "the union of all Spaniards of both hemispheres"
Liberal, progressive consitution
Universal male suffrage
Freedom of the press
Agustin de Arguelles requests abolition of slave trade
Ferdinand VII returns to Spain after giving up claim to Napoleon after Peninsular War in 1814
Dissolves constitution, country stays anti-Liberal and repressive
Establishes regime
Spanish Constitution of 1837
Lasts until 1845
Wanted to restore progressive features of 1812 constitution
Cuban, Puerto Rican and Filipino deputies are excluded from assembly – way they are ruled will be determined after by Special Laws
Jose Antonio Saco and the origins of Cuban autonomism
Expansionism and Annexationism 1848-61
In less than 40 years Cuba went from being an average colony to being of vital importance
Spanish official "Cuba is everything" 1858
Assumption that Cuba will not always be Spanish
US desire for annexation and insistence that it belongs with the states
Assumption that it will one day become American
Context
Society that is growing richer
Whilst Spain is fighting an expensive war - Cuba an important asset
Occupied by Napoleon, civil wars, wars for independence
Havana becomes richer than Madrid
#
Widespread corruption
Bribes in almost every economic relationship
Number of poor people much lower in Havana and other big cities
Massive demand for workers - no shortage of jobs