Cuba in War Time

by Richard Harding Davis

Purchase one of 1st World Library's Classic Books and help support our free internet library of downloadable eBooks. Visit us online at www.1stWorldLibrary.ORG - - When the revolution broke out in Cuba two years ago, the Spaniards at once began to build tiny forts, and continued to add to these and improve those already built, until now the whole island, which is eight hundred miles long and averages eighty miles in width, is studded as thickly with these little forts as is the sole of a brogan with iron nails. It is necessary to keep the fact of the existence of these forts in mind in order to understand the situation in Cuba at the present time, as they illustrate the Spanish plan of campaign, and explain why the war has dragged on for so long, and why it may continue indefinitely. The last revolution was organized by the aristocrats; the present one is a revolution of the puebleo, and, while the principal Cuban families are again among the leaders, with them now are the representatives of the "plain people," and the cause is now a common cause in working for the success of which all classes of Cubans are desperately in earnest.

Genres: History

76 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1897

About the author

Richard Harding Davis (1864–1916) was a journalist and writer of fiction and drama, known foremost as the first American war correspondent to cover the Spanish-American War, the Second Boer War, and the First World War. His writing greatly assisted the political career of Theodore Roosevelt and he also played a major role in the evolution of the American magazine. His influence extended to the world of fashion and he is credited with making the clean-shaven look popular among men at the turn of the 20th century.

Reviews

[Goody2shoes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The text that I keep returning to in this book is the chapter entitled 'The Death of Rodriguez'. a very powerful and emotional account of a Cuban rebels' execution by the Spanish during the Cuban War of Independence.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bit of Cuba History.

🖊 Useful and informative short book on Cuba.

📕Published in 1897 “originally (in part) in the form of letters from Cuba to the New York Journal and in the newspapers of a syndicate arranged by the Journal; the remainder, which was suggested by the questions asked on my return, was written in this country, and appears here for the first time.”

CONTENTS
Author's Note
Cuba in War Time
The Fate of the Pacificos
The Death of Rodriguez
Along the Trocha
The Question of Atrocities
The Right of Search of American Vessels

🎨Illustrated by Frederic Remington.

જ⁀🟢The e-book version on Project Gutenberg .
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My ratings for this work:
Content: ★★★★★
Grammar: ★★★★★
Writing style: ★★★★★
Ease of reading: ★★★★★
My recommendation: ★★★★★
My total rating for this work: ★★★★★ (5.0)

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look at reporting that led to our involvement in 1898. Knowing the repercussions of writing like this adds to the experience. My copy contained illustrations by Frederic Remington, which were of Spaniards, because the author's movements were tightly controlled by the Spaniard, much like reporters today would have their movements controlled by Castro (R).

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ironic that this ends with an appeal for America to involve itself in Cuba’s anti-colonial fight, given that America would in fact use its later involvement not to support Cuba’s sovereignty but to make itself as the colonial rulers of Cuba for over half a century.

I was hoping that writings about Jose Martí would be included since he was mentioned in the preface, but no luck, I was misled!

[Bob Croft · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is suggested by the editor that Davis went to Cuba as a non-interventionist, but soon morphed into an advocate of the insurrection, with biased coverage. Not sure I agree with the bias charge. He does point out atrocities by the rebels. He spent most of his time in Spanish controlled areas, and by rights should have developed a bias on the Spanish side. His plea is for Americans in authority to come to Cuba, go beyond Havana, and see for themselves - and then to act. He does not necessarily suggest an intervention on the rebel side, but an intervention to end the killing.
In passing, what finally precipitated American involvement was not the sinking of the Maine, but exactly what Davis suggests. An influential U S senator came to Cuba; on his return, he delivered something like a day and a half speech on the Senate floor, documenting atrocities, particularly in the reconcentration camps. The congress pulled a hesitant president (and business community) into war.

[Lyn Sweetapple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written with excellent illustrations by Frederick Remington. I was expecting this to be the Yellow Journalism I heard so much about leading to our involvement, but it seemed to be a bit more even handed as he was out and about and talked to everyone involved.

[William Boyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relatively good first hand account from a time period and subject which is not covered very well in English. A worthwhile read if your interested in the subject and times. The best chapter is the death of Rodriguez.