The makeup of Cuba in the late nineteenth century is much the same as it is today. Nearly 66% of the population are white and of Spanish descent. About 22% are of mixed racial heritage, and 12% of the populace is black. Cuba lies to the south of the United States, and is most easily accessible by boat from the Florida region. It is this naval quality that encompasses the island. During the Ten Years War, between 1868-1878, …showed first 75 words of 435 total…

…showed last 75 words of 435 total…Spanish-American War. Finally on July 18, 1898, George Dewey, a U.S. naval officer commanded the fleet that destroyed Spanish vessels in Manila. Upon being defeated once again, Spain surrendered, giving up Cuba and the Philippines as free countries. Therefore with the help of the United States, and there own fighting rebellion within the country the inhabitants of Cuba gained freedom from Spanish dictatorship, becoming the Cuban Republic in 1901 and electing Tomas Estrada Palma as president in 1902.