José Martí

Politician, Author

1853 – 1895

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Who was José Martí?

José Julián Martí Pérez is the Cuban national hero and an important figure in Latin American literature. In his short life he was a poet, an essayist, a journalist, a revolutionary philosopher, a translator, a professor, a publisher, and a political theorist. He was also a part of the Cuban Freemasons. Through his writings and political activity, he became a symbol for Cuba's bid for independence against Spain in the 19th century, and is referred to as the "Apostle of Cuban Independence." He also wrote about the threat of United States expansionism into Cuba. From adolescence, he dedicated his life to the promotion of liberty, political independence for Cuba, and intellectual independence for all Spanish Americans; his death was used as a cry for Cuban independence from Spain by both the Cuban revolutionaries and those Cubans previously reluctant to start a revolt.

Born in Havana, Martí began his political activism at an early age. He would travel extensively in Spain, Latin America, and the United States, raising awareness and support for the cause of Cuban independence. His unification of the Cuban émigré community, particularly in Florida, was crucial to the success of the Cuban War of Independence against Spain. He was a key figure in the planning and execution of this war, as well as the designer of the Cuban Revolutionary Party and its ideology. He died in military action on May 19, 1895.

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Born
Jan 28, 1853
Havana
Also known as
  • Jose Marti
  • José Julián Martí Pérez
  • José Marti
  • Martí, José
Parents
Spouses
Children
Ethnicity
  • Criollo people
  • Cubans
  • White Latin American
Nationality
  • Cuba
  • Spain
Profession
Education
  • University of Zaragoza
  • Complutense University of Madrid
Lived in
  • Havana
Died
May 19, 1895
Dos Rios
Resting place
Santa Ifigenia Cemetery

Submitted
on July 23, 2013

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"José Martí." Biographies.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.biographies.net/people/en/jose_marti>.

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