Alfredo Zayas y Alfonso

Cuban politician

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July 21, 2026

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Alfredo Zayas y Alfonso served as president of Cuba from 1921 to 1925. His administration was marked by significant financial reforms, including a $50 million loan from the U.S. in 1923, which helped improve the economic situation. However, his presidency was also plagued by intensifying accusations of corruption and subsequent revolts. Zayas attempted to secure renomination for a second term but faced strong opposition within his own party. He ultimately made a pact with the Liberal candidate, Gerardo Machado y Morales, against the Conservative candidate, Mario Garc\u00eda Menocal, in the 1924 election. Machado's subsequent election ushered in an era of dictatorship in Cuba.1

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Cuban Revolution
Independence, instability, and continued U.S. intervention
…Mario García Menocal (1913–21), and Alfredo Zayas y Alfonso (1921–25). During this period the U.S. interfered twice in Cuba and threatened to intervene several more times. During the Gómez administration the country prospered, but charges of corruption in the government rose. The government was accused of giving few offices to…
Read More
…Mario García Menocal (1913–21), and Alfredo Zayas y Alfonso (1921–25). During this period the U.S. interfered twice in Cuba and threatened to intervene several more times. During the Gómez administration the country prospered, but charges of corruption in the government rose. The government was accused of giving few offices to…
Read More