First Eastern Campaign facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Eastern Campaign |
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| Part of Cuban War of Independence | |||||
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| Belligerents | |||||
 Cuban rebels |
 Spain |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||
| Antonio Maceo Alfonso Goulet † Victoriano Garzón Joaquín Planas Jesús Rabí |
Arsenio Campos Fidel Santocildes † |
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The First Eastern Campaign was an important military effort. It happened in Oriente Province, Cuba, from early May to late August 1895. This campaign was part of the larger Cuban War of Independence.
Contents
Why the War Started
Cuba had fought two wars before this one: the Ten Years' War (1868-1878) and the Little War (1879-1880). Neither of these wars helped Cuba gain full freedom from Spain.
After these wars, from 1880 to 1895, Cuba had a time of peace. This period was called the "Fertile Truce." There were small uprisings, but none were big enough to start a new war.
Planning for Freedom
In the 1890s, many Cubans living outside Cuba, especially in the United States, started to gather. They looked to José Martí as their leader. Martí created the Partido Revolucionario Cubano (Cuban Revolutionary Party) in 1892. This party aimed to unite everyone who wanted Cuba to be completely free. It also aimed to help Puerto Rico gain independence.
Martí was the head of the party. He chose Generals Máximo Gómez and Antonio Maceo to lead the new war. This decision was made in 1893.
The War Begins
By late 1894, everything seemed ready for the new war to begin. However, a plan called the Fernandina Plan failed. This was a big problem for the Cuban independence fighters.
Despite the setback, they decided to start the war on February 24, 1895. This was a Sunday, a day of carnivals and festivals. They hoped to surprise the Spanish leaders. Some planned uprisings failed, and some important leaders were captured or died.
However, the war continued. Uprisings in the Oriente and Las Villas provinces were successful. The war truly gained strength when Maceo, Martí, and Gómez landed in Cuba in April. After many challenges, they took command of the Cuban troops, who were growing in number.
The First Eastern Campaign began in early May 1895. It was led by Lieutenant General Antonio Maceo. Around the same time, Generalissimo Máximo Gómez began the Circular Campaign in June.
The Campaign in Action
While Maceo fought in the East, Máximo Gómez moved towards Camagüey. The Spanish Captain General, Arsenio Martínez Campos, wanted to stop Gómez. But Gómez was determined to advance.
Gómez found a way to cross the Jobabo river on June 5 or 6. He entered the Camagüey region. His goal was to get the people in that area to join the fight.
Máximo Gómez's Strategy
Once in Camagüey, Gómez started the Circular Campaign. This involved many quick battles around Port-au-Prince. These actions brought the whole area into the war. The campaign lasted until October 10 of that year.
At first, Gómez wanted to get young people from Camagüey to join. He also wanted to spread the war to the Trocha de Júcaro to Morón area. Later, he focused on making the war strong in Camagüey. He also gathered horses and supplies. He organized the troops who would stay in the province. He also trained soldiers for the main invasion force.
Gómez used smoke and fire to confuse the Spanish. He avoided big battles but still kept the Spanish on edge. Important actions during this campaign included Alta Gracia, La Ceja, El Mulato, La Larga, San Jerónimo, Cascorro, San Miguel de Nuevitas, Guáimaro, Jobabo, and Jimaguayú. This campaign, led by Máximo Gómez, lasted four months and was a victory for the Cubans.
What Happened Next
The success of the First Eastern Campaign and the Circular Campaign was very important. It helped the Cuban forces quickly become stronger in the war. They won key battles and many new fighters joined their ranks. They also got new weapons and ammunition.
After these successful campaigns, a meeting called the Assembly of Jimaguayú took place in September 1895. At this meeting, the Government of the Republic of Cuba in Arms was formed again. This government had been dissolved after the Ten Years' War ended in 1878. With this new government, the Cuban Revolution had a political and legal structure.
See also
In Spanish: Primera campaña oriental para niños
