José Miguel Gómez

José Miguel Gómez y Gómez (July 6, 1858 – June 13, 1921) was a Cuban General in the Cuban War of Independence who went on to become President of Cuba.

Early career

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.

Term in Office

Gómez and Zayas won the 1908 election as the candidates for the Liberal Party. He was very well liked among the people and Gómez was also viewed as a kind president in the eyes of the people. However, political corruption boomed during his presidency and several major scandals occurred.

During his presidency the government also began funding newspapers, influencing them towards pro-government positions. Although cheating probably occurred, Zayas beat Gómez for the presidency in 1920. 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.

Later life

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

Personal life

A friend of Gómez, Gerardo Machado, would become the president of Cuba a few years later.

He was married to América Arias y López, and their son, Miguel Mariano Gómez, would later become the sixth President of Cuba.

References

• Otero, Juan Joaquin (1954). Libro De Cuba, Una Enciclopedia Ilustrada Que Abarca Las Ates, Las Letras, Las Ciencias, La Economia, La Politica, La Historia, La Docencia, Y ElProgreso General De La Nacion Cubana - Edicion Conmemorative del Cincuentenario de la Republica de Cuba, 1902-1952.  (Spanish)
• José Miguel Gómez (Spanish Wikipedia)
• Cuba, The Pursuit of Freedom (Eyre & Spottiswoode Ltd., 1971)