Antonio_Maceo_Gutierrez

A Cuban general who became symbol of anti-colonial struggle against Spain

Antonio Maceo (1845-1896) was a Black Cuban general whose military genius and unyielding spirit made him 'The Bronze Titan' of Cuba's fight for independence. Born to a freed slave and a Spanish woman in Santiago de Cuba, he joined the Ten Years' War (1868-1878) at 23, rising to general despite 24 battlefield injuries. His famous 'Eastern Invasion' (1895) - a 500-mile march across Cuba - became legendary for outmaneuvering Spanish forces using guerrilla tactics. Though mortally wounded in 1896, his last words - 'DIE FOR CUBA!' - became the revolution's rallying cry.

Maceo's legacy transcends military prowess. He advocated racial equality in Cuba's independence movement, famously declaring 'In this army, there are no blacks or whites - only Cubans.' His 1895 manifesto (Cuban Historical Archives) called for land reform and education access. Modern historians like Ada Ferrer (Insurgent Cuba) highlight his influence on later figures like Che Guevara. The Antonio Maceo Cultural Center (Official Site) in Santiago preserves his writings and hosts annual military reenactments attracting 15,000 visitors annually.