José Miguel Gómez

Jos\u00e9 Miguel G\u00f3mez served as president of Cuba from 1909 to 1913. His administration was marked by economic prosperity but also by rising accusations of corruption and favoritism, particularly towards those who had supported Spain during the war for independence.12

G\u00f3mez's presidency also saw significant social unrest. Protests by Afro-Cubans against a law that prohibited racial or religious political organizations led to a violent government crackdown, resulting in thousands of deaths. This period of instability contributed to a split in the Liberal party, ultimately leading to the election of the Conservative candidate, Mario Garc\u00eda Menocal, in 1912. The pattern of graft and corruption established during G\u00f3mez's term continued to characterize Cuban politics for decades.12