The Baraguá Protest: A Landmark of Resistance

The Baraguá Protest, which took place on March 15, 1878, in Mangos de Baraguá (in what is now Santiago de Cuba province), stands as one of the most emblematic episodes in Cuba’s revolutionary history.

Led by Major General Antonio Maceo Grajales, this event was a decisive rejection of the Pact of Zanjón, signed on February 10, 1878, which ended the Ten Years’ War (1868–1878) without securing Cuba’s independence or the abolition of slavery.

More than a mere military defiance, the Baraguá Protest was a political declaration that reaffirmed the ideals of the Cuban independence movement at a moment of apparent defeat. This act of resistance left a lasting legacy, influencing future struggles for sovereignty and social justice in Cuba.

Historical Context

The Ten Years’ War, which began on October 10, 1868, with the Cry of Yara, marked the first organized effort to achieve Cuba’s independence from Spanish colonial rule. However, after a decade of intense combat, the independence movement was in crisis, weakened by a lack of resources, internal divisions, and the absence of international support.

In 1876, the arrival of Spanish General Arsenio Martínez Campos, reinforced with additional troops and a pacification strategy, exacerbated these difficulties. By late 1877, Cuban forces were exhausted and at a significant disadvantage.

In this context, the Pact of Zanjón, signed on February 10, 1878, in Camagüey, offered a settlement that included amnesty for insurgents and limited reforms, such as partial autonomy. However, it failed to guarantee full independence or the immediate abolition of slavery, which were fundamental demands of the Cuban patriots.

Antonio Maceo’s Rejection of the Pact of Zanjón

Unlike other regions of the island, eastern Cuba’s forces, under Antonio Maceo’s command, maintained significant resistance. By early 1878, Maceo had secured important victories, allowing him to reject the pact and call for a meeting with General Arsenio Martínez Campos on March 15, 1878, in Mangos de Baraguá.

During this historic meeting, Maceo firmly declared his refusal to accept any agreement that did not guarantee Cuba’s independence and the immediate abolition of slavery.

Martínez Campos, confident in his negotiating abilities, attempted to persuade Maceo with promises of partial reforms. However, Maceo, unwavering in his convictions, interrupted him as he outlined the terms of the pact, making it clear that he would not compromise on the fundamental principles of the independence cause. His stance was strongly supported by his fellow fighters, who also rejected the agreement outright.

After Martínez Campos departed, the Cuban independence fighters, led by Maceo, drafted a document establishing a provisional government in the eastern region and reaffirming their commitment to independence. Although limited in its immediate scope, this declaration demonstrated the revolutionaries’ political clarity and their unwavering commitment to the cause.

Impact and Legacy of the Baraguá Protest

The Baraguá Protest went beyond military strategy to become a symbol of the Cuban revolutionary vision, deeply connected to the social conditions of the time. Maceo, a man of humble origins who had risen to the highest ranks of the army through bravery and strategic ability, represented the interests of the most radical and disadvantaged sectors of society, especially freed slaves and lower-class citizens who formed the backbone of the independence forces.

His stance contrasted with that of those who supported the Pact of Zanjón, most of whom were landowners willing to negotiate with colonial authorities. Maceo’s refusal to accept peace without independence or social justice underscored his commitment to structural change that would end the inequalities of the colonial system.

The true significance of the Baraguá Protest did not lie in its immediate military achievements but in its long-term impact. Maceo’s unwavering resistance helped keep the independence spirit alive and preserved revolutionary ideals during a critical moment.

This event paved the way for the Necessary War of 1895, led by José Martí, who recognized the Baraguá Protest as an example of revolutionary resolve that inspired a new generation of fighters.

In the 20th century, the significance of this event remained a reference point for struggles for sovereignty and social justice. The victorious Cuban Revolution of 1959, which definitively consolidated the country’s independence, considered itself an heir to Maceo’s unwavering spirit.

Today, Mangos de Baraguá and the memory of the protest remain symbols of national identity, reminding Cubans of the importance of defending revolutionary principles against all odds.

The Baraguá Protest was not merely an act of defiance against General Arsenio Martínez Campos; it was a defining moment in Cuban history. In this episode, Antonio Maceo and his followers demonstrated that the fight for independence, equality, sovereignty, and justice allows no negotiation or compromise.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff