How did Spain react to the Cuban rebels?

The Spanish reacted to the Cuban rebels with a mixture of military force, political concessions, and attempts at economic development.

Military force

The Spanish military response to the Cuban rebels was initially harsh and brutal. The Spanish army conducted a scorched-earth policy, burning villages and crops and killing anyone suspected of supporting the rebels. This policy only served to further inflame the Cuban people and strengthen their resolve to fight for independence.

Political concessions

As the Cuban rebellion gained momentum, the Spanish government began to make political concessions in an effort to appease the Cuban people and win their loyalty. These concessions included granting Cuba greater autonomy and allowing Cubans to hold elected office. However, these concessions did not go far enough to satisfy the Cuban people, who were demanding full independence.

Attempts at economic development

The Spanish government also attempted to win over the Cuban people by investing in economic development. The Spanish built roads, railroads, and schools in Cuba and encouraged foreign investment in the island's economy. These efforts did help to improve the Cuban economy, but they did not address the underlying political issues that were driving the rebellion.

In the end, the Spanish were unable to put down the Cuban rebellion and were forced to grant Cuba independence in 1898.