Cuban Junta

In the early nineteenth century, Cuban communities in the United States expanded significantly. Some of the main cities the Cubans resided in were New York, New Orleans and Tampa which served as places of refuge. Many Cuban emigrants started their journey over to America in the 1840s, inspired by the independence movement. Many people saw the potential advantages of annexation, however, they were concerned about slavery and the United States' slavery laws. with financial support from Havana, their main goal to encourage United States politicians to purchase the land from the Spaniards. This was the first attempt by Cubans to get the United States to annex Cuba. After some failed annexation attempts, the Junta collaborated with filibusterers like Narciso López and John Quitman. The United States government did not tolerate this activity and tried to shut it down. This concluded with Spain making it clear they were not willing to sell the land, leading to the abandonment of the first Junta in 1855. also in New York, with the same goal of ensuring the annexation by the United States. The headquarters, based at 71 Broadway in Manhattan, occupied a suite of three rooms on the second floor, overlooking Trinity Churchyard. The second Cuban Junta of New York was led by José Morales Lemus who was succeeded by Miguel Aldama. There were many critics of the Junta at this time that ultimately wanted "absolute independence" The success that finally came from the third Junta was largely due to those who came before in the first and second Juntas. José Martí and Tomás were key leaders that founded the third Junta. == Activities ==

Propaganda Cuban revolutionaries did not believe that independence from Spain was possible without both military and ideological aid from the United States. The United States had not shown any inclination that it was planning to intervene, even during the Ten Years' War. In pursuit of securing American aid, the Cuban Junta launched a United States-based propaganda campaign that employed the use of sympathy meetings, carnivals, performances, articles published via American press sources, and its own newspaper. The Yellow journalism used by the Junta, bringing light to some of the worst parts of the Spanish rule of Cuba, also helped in gathering the support of American Citizens. The large Cuban communities in Key West and Tampa, Florida, proved to be essential in the filibuster effort. Cubans in Florida were aware of the actions of the Cuban Junta, and would often sit on juries in filibuster trials, resulting in no convictions. The letter asserted that he was weak, and implied that he would not challenge Spain's claim over Cuba. The letter, however, never made it into the hands of the intended recipient; instead, it was intercepted by Cuban Rebels who forwarded the message to the Cuban Junta based in New York. The Junta published the letter, causing significant strain on the relationship between Spain and the United States. This played a significant part in the decision made by the United States to declare war on Spain and officially enter the Spanish-American War, annexing Cuba, and completing the goals of the Cuban Junta. == References ==