Cry of Yara

Cry of Yara
Part of Ten Years' War
DateOctober 10, 1868 - October 11, 1868
Location
Yara, Oriente Province, Captaincy General of Cuba
Result Cuban victory
Belligerents
Cuban rebels  Spain
Commanders and leaders
Gen. Carlos Manuel de Céspedes
 Unknown
Strength
140+ mambises Unknown
  • v
  • t
  • e
Ten Years' War
  • Yara
  • 1st Bayamo
  • Pino de Baire
  • Las Clavellinas
  • Bonilla
  • El Salado
  • 2nd Bayamo
  • 1st Las Villas
  • Jagüey Grande
  • 1st Guáimaro
  • 2nd Guáimaro
  • 1st Las Tunas
  • 1st Western
  • Sanguily
  • Guantánamo
  • Jimaguayú
  • Melones
  • La Sacra
  • Palo Seco
  • Naranjo-Mojacasabe
  • 2nd Las Villas
  • Cascorro
  • Las Guasimas
  • 2nd Western
  • Manaquita
  • Cafetal González
  • Yaguaramas
  • 2nd Las Tunas
  • 3rd Las Villas
  • Mangos de Mejías
  • Nuevas de Jobosí
  • Juan Mulato
  • San Ulpiano

The Cry of Yara (Spanish: El Grito de Yara) was a declaration, battle cry, and uprising in eastern Cuba, initiating the Ten Years' War.[1]

History

The signaling of the Yara uprising occurred near Manzanillo in the eastern province of Oriente, at the sugar plantation and mill of La Demajagua. On October 10, 1868, the revolutionary proclamation of Cuba's independence known as the Cry of Yara (Spanish: El Grito de Yara) was issued by Cuban revolutionary and plantation owner Carlos Manuel de Céspedes.[2]

Following the tolling of the slave bell that morning, which signaled his slaves that work was about to begin, they assembled before him, ready for instructions.[3] Céspedes gave a passionate address, declared the independence of Cuba, and pledged to gradually end slavery. He first liberated his own slaves and invited them to fight alongside him against Spanish colonial forces, initiating the Ten Years' War in Cuba.[4]

The Battle

The Cuban insurrectionists remained at Demajagua, leaving the next day at dawn on October 11, 1868, with intentions to attack and occupy the nearby town of Yara.[5] A total of 147 men armed themselves with 45 fowling pieces, 4 rifles, and several pistols and machetes.[6]

The Spanish garrison at Yara, situated between the cities of Manzanillo and Bayamo, fell to Céspedes in his first successful military encounter.

Aftermath

The news of the uprising at Yara inspired many to join the cause, leading to the eventual formation of the Cuban Liberation Army.[7]

Cuba Independence Day is observed every year on October 10th as a national holiday and the anniversary of the beginning of the first Cuban War of Independence.[8]

References

  1. ^ Dunn, J. M. (2015). Jose Marti: Cuba's Greatest Hero. United States: Pineapple Press.
  2. ^ Making History: Interviews with Four Generals of Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces. (2000). United Kingdom: Pathfinder.
  3. ^ "Cubans rose up against Spain in first war for independence". dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
  4. ^ Miller, I. L. (2010). Voice of the Leopard: African Secret Societies and Cuba. Ukraine: University Press of Mississippi.
  5. ^ Bart, P., Petitclerc, D. B. (1981). Destinies. United States: Bantam Books.
  6. ^ "The History of Cuba, vol. 3 - Chapter XI - Willis Fletcher Johson". clyx.com. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
  7. ^ Ryan, J. G. (1876). Life and Adventures of Gen. W.A.C. Ryan, the Cuban Martyr: Captured on the Steamer Virginius and Murdered by the Spaniards at Santiago, Cuba, Nov. 4, 1873. United States: Scully & Company.
  8. ^ Fast, A., Hughes, S. (2004). Cuba: The culture. United States: Crabtree Publishing Company.