Estrada Palma, "Saint Thomas"
Published: Jan 5, 2024 Reading time: 2 minutes
Tomas Estrada Palma, Cuba's first President (1902-1906), had a long distinguished career. In addition to his presidency, he was a professor at the University of Havana, general of the Liberating Army, and President of the Republic in Arms until his capture by Spanish forces. Estrada was also a teacher at a school for Latino children in New York and Vice-President of the Cuban Revolutionary Party created by José Martí in the United States. Furthermore, he organized and led the "Necessary War" of 1895.
It is no stretch to say that Estrada Palma is considered a hero to many Cubans. However, his name has been smeared by the Castro regime. Stated deemed him a traitor to the Cuban people and removed his statue from President's Avenue in Havana. However, Castro's interpretation of Estrada Palma not be further from the truth.
President Estrada Palma's cardinal sin was requesting a second US military intervention during the war for Cuban independence. Pressured by Spain and facing insurrection within his ranks, he called for US aid under the Pillat Amendment.
Was this a grave political error? It is difficult to say. Estrada Palma made difficult decisions in the context of his time and political situation.
It should be noted that before this, Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, the man who started the call for the fight for independence, known as the father of the Cuban homeland, requested US help four times. The debasement of Estrada Palma's legacy is emblematic of the hypocrisy of the Cuban state.
The Cuban state has exposed the Cuban people to communism—an ideology that has violated the history and individuality of the Cuban people and plunged the country into economic and social ruin. Because of this, Cuba endures high inflation, hunger, and emigration rates.
Thus, if there is anyone in Cuban history who is qualified to hold the mantle of "great traitor", it should be Castro—not Estrada Palma.
As for Estrada Palma, despite everything he faced, several experts have pointed out that his administration—with US help—was responsible for the first economic miracle of the 20th century.
In any case, he rapidly raised the standard of living and economy of the country that had just emerged from a civil war. We call it a civil war because, at that time, Cuba was a Spanish colony, and the Cuban identity did not exist.
Upon leaving office, President Estrada Palma, lived out his days on his farm in Santiago de Cuba . He died there on November 4, 1908. His good friend, Jose Marti, the most well-known apostle of Cuban Independence, dubbed him "Saint Tomas." Thus, the most appropriate way to end his story is with an "amen"
