José Miguel Gómez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Miguel Gómez
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| 2nd President of Cuba | |
| In office 28 January 1909 – 20 May 1913 |
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| Vice President | Alfredo Zayas |
| Preceded by | Tomás Estrada Palma |
| Succeeded by | Mario García Menocal |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 6, 1858 Sancti Spíritus, Cuba |
| Died | June 13, 1921 (aged 62) New York City, New York United States |
| Nationality |  Cuban |
| Political party | Liberal Party of Cuba |
| Spouse | América Arias |
| Children | Miguel Mariano Gómez |
José Miguel Gómez y Gómez (July 6, 1858 – June 13, 1921) was a Cuban who was one of the leaders of the rebel forces in the Cuban War of Independence and President of Cuba from 1909 to 1913.
Early career
At the Constitutional Convention, Gómez was one of those who voted in favor of adopting the Platt Amendment. Born in Sancti Spíritus, in the former Las Villas Province, Gómez went on to govern Santa Clara and became quite popular in Cuba. In 1905 Gómez planned to run for the presidency with Alfredo Zayas on behalf of the Liberals. Violence prevented the Liberals from winning much in the election so Gómez dropped out of the running.
Gómez and Zayas began to split the Liberal party. A strong showing by the Conservatives against the divided Liberals convinced them to rejoin.
Term in Office
Gómez and Zayas won the 1908 election as the candidates for the Liberal Party. He was very well liked among the people and Gómez was also viewed as a kind president in the eyes of the people. However, political corruption doomed during his presidency and several major scandals occurred.
During his presidency the government also began funding newspapers, influencing them towards pro-government positions.On September 9, 1909 President Gomez signed a decree establishing the Cuban Telephone Company, an U.S. based company having a highly dominant control of the telecommunications market of Cuba at the time and many years in the future.
According to U.S. Consul in 1911 the value of U.S. nationals resident in Cuba was estimated at being $205 million (in 1911 U.S. dollars).
In 1912 conflict between Afro-Cuban rebels and the armed forces of Cuba took place mainly in the eastern region of the island where most Afro-Cubans were employed. After a widespread massacre of Afro-Cubans by the Cuban Army and the intervention by the U.S. military the rebellion was brought an end in a matter of weeks.
On June 18, 1912, President Gomez issued a decree granting a forestry privilege/right to the Compania de Agricultura de Zapata, which decreed corresponded to the large Zapata Swamp in southern Matanzas. Apparently, U.S. Ambassador of Cuba at the time, Arthur M. Beaupre, made a fuss of the incident and the U.S. government send a note to the Cuban government disapproving such decree. Weeks later on August 13, 1912, President Gomez suspended his decree.
Later life
José Miguel Gómez died in New York City. His remains were brought back to Cuba for burial in the Colon Cemetery, Havana.
Personal life
In 1907 José López Rodríguez, Pote, (father of José Antonio López Serrano) financed the electoral campaign that would propel Gómez to the Presidency of the Republic.
A friend of Gómez, Gerardo Machado, became the president of Cuba a few years later.
He was married to América Arias y López, and their son, Miguel Mariano Gómez, served as the sixth President of Cuba.
See also
In Spanish: José Miguel Gómez para niños
