USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Paulina Pedroso was an Afro-Cuban who became a prominent leader during the fight for Cuban independence. She moved to Ybor City in 1892 with her husband, Ruperto Pedroso. The Pedrosos worked as cigar makers and ran a boarding house. Inspired by the ideals of Jose Martí, they joined the fight against the Spanish.

Detailed explanation-2: -José Martí and Cuban Independence in Ybor City The historic neighborhood of Ybor in Tampa, FL was an important site for the launch of the fight for Cuban Independence, spurred by José Martí’s delivery of impassioned speeches to Cuban cigar workers.

Detailed explanation-3: -He was very politically active and is considered an important philosopher and political theorist. Through his writings and political activity, he became a symbol of Cuba’s bid for independence from the Spanish Empire in the 19th century, and is referred to as the “Apostle of Cuban Independence".

Detailed explanation-4: -In 1885, Vicente Martinez Ybor moved his cigar operations from Key West to the town of Tampa, Florida to escape labor strife. Ybor City was designed as a modified company town, and it quickly attracted thousands of Cuban workers from Key West and Cuba.

Detailed explanation-5: -Because of its proximity to Cuba and large Cuban immigrant population, the town naturally became a center for Cuban exiles and political activity. José Martí, a Cuban revolutionary leader, visited Ybor City before the 1895 Cuban War for Independence to gather support.