The Negro Rebellion was a series of revolts and uprisings in Eastern Cuba, it began around 20th May and ended in July of 1912. The Government crushed the rebellion. The rebellion was crushed and both of the leaders were killed in the time of the war. This rebellion saw the formation of the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade. With help from William H. Taft and the United States the rebellion was crushed.
The Americans came in to protect American Companies in Cuba but still saw combat there. Over 3,000 Afro-Cuban rebels were killed during the war, some estimates put that at 6,000 deaths. The government claims only 12 men were killed during the war. Some sources claim that 2,000 men were killed such according to Guillermo Lara, but some North American estimates put it at 5,000-6,000.
Background
Slavery
After the discovery of America, slavery was shortly introduced and over 800,000 people were enslaved in Cuba, as Cuba was the largest Slave Hub, primarily Taínon and Guanahatabey peoples who mixed with the slaves from Africa thus making Afro-Cubans. There was also a genocide against the Taínon by the Spanish. Evaristo Estenoz made the Partido Independiente de Color which was a party that wanted equality for Afro-Cubans in the sugarcane industry as many of them were employed there. When the PID was first made, many Afro-Cubans supported the movement since it pushed for equality and better working conditions.
Banana Wars
The Banana Wars were a series of wars, conflicts, rebellions and occupation by the United States betweeen the end of the Spanish-American war (1898) and 1934. The United States Army would usually fight there and the United States Navy would sometimes provide support, They took place in Central America and the Caribbean, these countries included: Dominican Republic Haiti Cuba Mexico Nicaragua
But in August 1st, 1934, Franklin D. Roosevelt pulled out all the U.S soldiers in occupied territories. There was also a manual of what to do in the wars "Small Wars Manual" which was written by experienced soldiers of the United States Marine Corps, the manual was also used in the War in Iraq by the 1st Infantry Division.
American marines in Cuba
In 1895, the PID started the War of 1895 which was unsuccessful, but the PID regrouped in 1912 and it also caused some unrest, as a response The United states sent 688 police officers and marines to the Naval Base at Guantanamo base under Major George C. Thorpe. They garrisoned the Naval base and secured it in case of any further unrest. During the time they were there, the PID was arming themselves and getting ready for a rebellion.
Even though they didn't have much guns they still had several hundred men, mostly peasants and were lead by Evaristo Estenoz, later the rebellion had several thousand men later on in the rebellion. But before the uprising, José Miguel Gómez, the president of Cuba ordered that the party to be disbanded under the Morúa law.
Rebellion
Start
During 20th of May, Estenoz and his rebellion fought the Cuban National Army. The fighting took place in Oriente Province where most Afro-Cubans were. But there was also some fighting in the West, Las Villas Province. At first, the Rebels were winning against the Cuban National Army. The army was being pushed back, On 23rd May, the president, José Miguel Gómez requested help from William H. Taft, the president of the United States.
On the 28th of May, the first United States Marines landed in Deer Point, Guantanamo Bay under Colonel Lincoln Karmany. The 1st Provisional Regiment of Marines, it had about 809 men. Once they landed they were ordered to meet up with Major Thorpe's battalion which was also in Guantanamo Bay's Naval Base.
Cuban Response
The Cuban government and news talked terrible about the rebels and started rumors and propaganda, the President, José Miguel Gómez ordered that his people to fight for "Civilization", and fight against "ferocious savagery" and he also showed a picture of a "raped teacher" which was confirmed to be fake news and Cuban government propaganda by "El Dia" a conservative news paper.
And "El Dia" also wanted Cuba to copy the Jim Crow laws from the United States, these laws segregated blacks and mistreated them and had less rights than a white man. And they also argued that "dominated races do submit". But Afro-Cuban politicians were against this and became worried from the racism and anger that the rebellion caused. The reputation of Juan Gualberto Gomez, an Afro-Cuban was also damaged because he wrote a manifesto against the racism.