José Miguel Gómez

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

José Miguel Gómez (July 6, 1858 - June 13, 1921) was a Cuban General in the Cuban War of Independence who went on to become the country's second president.

At the Constitutional Convention, Gómez was one of those who voted in favor of adopting the Platt Amendment. Born in Sancti Spíritus, Santa Clara Gómez went on to govern Santa Clara and became quite popular in Cuba. In 1905 Gómez planned to run for the presidency with Alfredo Zayas on behalf of the Liberals. Violence prevented the Liberals from winning much in the election so Gómez dropped out of the running.

Gómez and Zayas began to split the Liberal party. A strong showing by the Conservatives against the divided Liberals convinced them to rejoin. Gómez and Zayas won the 1908 election. He was very well-liked among the people and Gómez also was a kind president. However, political corruption boomed during his presidency and several major scandals occurred.

The government also began funding newspapers, influencing them towards pro-government positions. Zayas beat Gómez for the presidency in 1920. Cheating probably occurred, and Gómez would very likely have won had the elections been fair and honest.

Gómez went to the United States to meet with President Harding and tried unsuccessfully to get the United States Congress to intervene in the unfair election.

José Miguel Gómez died in New York City. His remains were brought back to Cuba for burial in the Colon Cemetery, Havana.

A friend of Gómez, Gerardo Machado y Morales, would become dictator of Cuba a few years later. Gómez's son, Miguel Mariano Gómez y Arias, would later become the sixth President of Cuba.

Preceded by Tomás Estrada Palma

President of Cuba 1909-1913

Succeeded by Mario García Menocal