Final answer:
The struggle for Cuban independence from Spanish rule featured prominent figures like José Martí and General Valeriano Weyler, whose reconcentration policies galvanized American support for Cuba, eventually leading to the Spanish-American War and Cuba's independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Cuban Struggle for Independence and the Spanish-American War
In the late 19th century, Cuba experienced intense efforts for independence from Spanish colonial rule. One notable figure in the quest for Cuban liberty was José Martí, an intellectual and poet who mobilized support in the United States. Despite his death in the initial conflict, his movement continued the fight using guerrilla tactics. The Spanish response, under General Valeriano Weyler in 1896, was marked by cruel reconcentration policies, which led to dire humanitarian conditions and swelled the ranks of the Cuban rebels. The American public, influenced by media portrayals and shared ideals of freedom, increasingly backed the Cuban cause.
The situation escalated to the involvement of the United States, as economic interests and the strategic implications in line with the Monroe Doctrine made American intervention appear ever more appealing. The brutality of Spanish methods, such as relocation of populations into camps and scorched earth tactics, led to widespread condemnation. Ultimately, the involvement of the United States in what became the Spanish-American War was driven by a mix of humanitarian concerns, economic interests, and geopolitical strategy.
Despite its name, the Spanish-American War primarily concerned Cuban independence, and American entry into this conflict marked a significant moment in the dismantling of Spain's colonial empire, leading to the independence of Cuba.