Founded in 1878 as the Partido Liberal, it advocated home rule for Cuba (Autonomismo) and in 1881 became known as the Partido Liberal Autonomista. Its program also included the abolition of slavery, white immigration, and economic liberalization. By 1892, with no changes forthcoming from Spain, disillusionment and frustration gripped the party, many of whose members had hoped for a continuing association with Spain. The party warned the Spanish government that, without changes and an easing of repression, another rebellion would be inevitable. The Independence War of 1895-1898 soon followed, and when the party achieved its objective with the 1897 establishment of the Gobierno Autonómico, it was clearly too late.
