The movement for reform (reformismo) in Cuba, began in the early 19th century, received new impetus by mid-century. The drive for annexation was faltering and a feeling of nationalism developing. But violent opposition to Spanish rule had failed and the idea of independence was still nascent. The reformers sought numerous political and economic concessions from Spain – more equitable taxation, freer trade, and political representation in the Cortes. In 1865 the movement was strong enough to evolve into the Partido Reformista, although, unlike the Partido Liberal, this was not a cohesive political party in the modern sense. It advocated equal rights for Cubans and Peninsulares, imitations on the powers of the captain general, and greater political freedom in the island. It also supported the gradual abolition of slavery and called for an increase of white immigration. Following the successful independence movement in Santo Domingo and consequent establishment of the Dominican Republic in 1865, along with the Partido Reformista’s pronouncements in its newspaper, El Siglo, the Spanish government called for the election of a reform commission (later known as the Junta de Información) to discuss changes for Cuba. The 1867 dismissal of the junta and rejection of all its recommendations effectively discredited the moderate reform movement.
