The Manifesto of Montecristi is the official document of the Revolutionary Party in Cuba; it was written by José Martí and signed by himself and Máximo Gómez on March 25, 1895 in Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic. In this document, José Martí exposed the causes that lead Cuba to fight against Spain to become an independent nation, free from economic or military control by any outside source. The "Manifesto of Montecristi" also clarifies that the war of liberation was not against Spain itself, but against the colonial regime that existed on the island for more than three centuries. The Cuban War of Independence La Guerra de Independencia de Cuba (o Guerra de 1895) es el nombre con el que se conoce a la última guerra de independencia cubana frente al Imperio español, además de la última de las llevadas a cabo en el continente americano. El conflicto se inició el 24 de febrero de 1895 en un levantamiento simultáneo de treinta y cinco localidades cubanas, el llamado Grito de Baire, y finalizó en agosto de 1898, tras la entrada de Estados Unidos en el conflicto y la consiguiente derrota española. Fue denominada en España como la «Guerra de Cuba» mientras que José Martí la llamó «Guerra Necesaria». Ten Years' War The Cuban fight for independence began with the Ten Years' War (1868–1878), the first of three wars fought as Cuba attempted to free themselves from Spanish rule. The war was brought on by an economic crisis (1866) as well as the desire to end slavery. While the farmers in Cuba struggled to feed their families, the colonial administration continued to bring in profit from military ventures. In response, enraged farmers rose to fight. The uprising started October 10. Though efforts nearly failed within the first few days, within weeks the numbers of volunteers reached 12,000. Soon, Maximo Gomez (a former cavalry officer for the Spanish army) joined the farmer’s fight, bringing a tactical advantage to the rebels. Eventually, rebels took over the city of Bayamo, making a significant victory that brought hope to the people. It was at this time, Cuba’s national anthem was composed. Within three months Bayamo was again seized by the Spanish, but by that time the city had been burned to the ground. As the war spread over the country, Gomez was replaced, but after the threat of ethnic cleansing, Gomez returned to his position. After time,