Tomás Estrada Palma

1st President of Cuba (1902–06)

Born: July 9, 1835 · Died: November 4, 1908

War & ConflictPolitics & Government

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Overview

Legacy

Tomás Estrada Palma (Spanish: [toˈmas esˈtɾaða ˈpalma]; c.

Who was Tomás Estrada Palma?

July 9, 1835 – November 4, 1908) was a Cuban politician, the president of the Republic of Cuba in Arms during the Ten Years' War, and the first President of Cuba, between May 20, 1902, and September 28, 1906. His collateral career as a New York City area educator and writer enabled Estrada Palma to create pro-Cuban literature aimed at gaining sympathy, assistance and publicity. He was an early and persistent voice calling for the United States to intervene in Cuba on humanitarian grounds.

Historical significance

He was eventually successful in garnering the attention of influential Americans. During his presidency his major accomplishments included improving Cuba's infrastructure, communication, and public health. Tomás Estrada Palma was a Cuban politician, the president of the Republic of Cuba in Arms during the Ten Years' War, and the first President of Cuba, between, and.

Related on thisDay

Cuba Declares Independence — May 20, 1902

1902: Cuba declares independence in Havana, with Tomás Estrada Palma as its first president, after decades of struggle and a death toll of over 20,000

Sources and further reading

Use the dated article for the day-specific account; use these references to check the event record and explore its wider historical context.

Date article: Cuba Declares Independence — May 20, 1902 Wikipedia source