(1) One of Spain’s two traditional 19th century political parties.
(2) Original name of the Partido Liberal Autonimista.
(3) Party of the Republic, created in 1903 as the primary opposition to the presidency of Tomás Estrada Palma, whom it overthrew in the Guerrita de Agosto. One of the Republic’s first parties to organize nationally, it was consolidated as a political alliance during the second United States intervention. Under a platform of “Cubanism” and reform, its candidate General José Miguel Gómez, was elected president in 1908. When the Liberals lost the election of 1917 many party supporters took part in the Chambelona rebellion. The party suffered from internal rivalries following Gómez’ death and two potential rivals as its candidate for the presidency emerged: Colonel Carlos Mendieta and General Gerardo Machado y Morales. Mendieta had considerable popular support, but Machado had powerful allies and the backing of American interest, which contributed to his securing the nomination, and he became president in 1925. Under his leadership, the party dominated Cuban politics till the revolution of 1933. It was characterized by a policy of moderate economic nationalism, but allied with powerful American interests, and was tainted by widespread corruption and violence. It joined in the four-party coalition supporting Fulgencio Batista in the election of 1954, and its Rafael Guas Inclán was the successful vice-presidential candidate.
