Mario García Menocal

president of Cuba

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July 21, 2026

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Mario García Menocal served as president of Cuba from 1913 to 1921. His administration saw material progress but was also marked by accusations of corruption and nepotism. Menocal secured reelection in 1916 through fraud and violence, which led to a rebellion that he suppressed with the help of the United States, which was preoccupied with World War I. Cuba experienced significant prosperity until 1920, when a financial crisis led to numerous bankruptcies. Menocal's presidency was part of a period characterized by corruption and instability in Cuban politics, with frequent U.S. intervention.12

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Cuban Revolution
Independence, instability, and continued U.S. intervention
…were José Miguel Gómez (1909–13), 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…
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…were José Miguel Gómez (1909–13), 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…
Read More