The blazing fingers of musician Carlos Montoya were first given to the light of day on December 13, 1903, in Madrid, Spain. Montoya’s passion was flamenco music, which he attributed to his Gypsy heritage. He began guitar lessons at age 8, started his professional career in the lively, elegant cafes of Madrid, and launched his… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Carlos Montoya, Flamenco Guitarist
Tag: 1903
US Invades Panama, 1903 to 1914
What would a revolution in South America be without the arrival of undocumented and uninvited US Marines from North America? With keen geopolitical interest in the Panama Canal, the US and President Theodore Roosevelt were determined to protect the Panamanian Revolution that started the previous day. Undocumented US Marines landed on November 4, and were… Continue reading US Invades Panama, 1903 to 1914
Independence Day in Panama 1903
On November 3, 1903, the newly formed nation of Panama declared its independence from Colombia, to which it belonged in the period after independence from Spain. The Panamanian revolution was heavily aided by US interests, which were determined to seize the territory from the Colombian government to build the Panamanian Canal. Shortly after Panama declared independence, the… Continue reading Independence Day in Panama 1903
Consuelo González Amezcua, Artist, Poet, Singer and Composer.
June 13, 1903 is the birthday of Consuelo González Amezcua, a Latina artist, poet, singer and composer. Amezcua’s art reflected her passion for religion, mysticism and magic. She immigrated to Texas from Mexico with her family at age 10. The unconventional Amezcua was particularly inspired by Mexico, Spain and Egypt. Her intricate and complex work… Continue reading Consuelo González Amezcua, Artist, Poet, Singer and Composer.
The Platt Amendment 1903
The Platt Amendment was approved by the US Congress on May 22, 1903. The Amendment stipulated the conditions for the withdrawal of US troops that remained in Cuba at the end of the Spanish-American War. A key provision of the Amendment was the perpetual lease of Guantanamo Bay, a 45 square mile area of southeastern… Continue reading The Platt Amendment 1903
Mercedes O. Cubría, An Officer and A Gentlewoman
April 15, 1903 is the birthday of Mercedes O. Cubría (1903-1980). Cubría was the first Cuban born woman to achieve the rank of US Army officer. During World War II, she served as codes officer in England, and during the Korean War, she served in Japan as an intelligence officer. Known as “La Tía” (The… Continue reading Mercedes O. Cubría, An Officer and A Gentlewoman
US Marines invade the Dominican Republic 1903
On March 30, 1903, the US Marines landed in the Dominican Republic to “protect American interests” in the city of Santo Domingo during a period of political turmoil. (I can’t help but wonder how the US Army would react if the Dominican Army landed during Occupy Wall Street in 2011, to “protect Dominican interests”? Lots… Continue reading US Marines invade the Dominican Republic 1903
The Banana Wars 1903
On March 23, 1903, undocumented US troops invaded in Honduras. Their mission was to “protect the American consulate and the steamship wharf” at Puerto Cortez during a period of revolutionary activity. During the late 19th century, US multinationals such as the United Fruit Company, later known as Chiquita Brands International, had invested heavily in banana… Continue reading The Banana Wars 1903
Sara Perez, truly a First Lady
Standing with every truly great man is a great woman, and the extraordinary life of Mexican Revolutionaries Francisco and Sara Madero is an inspiring example. The couple met in San Francisco, where they were both students, and married on January 26, 1903. Francisco Madero soon decided to enter politics. Sara Madero was with her husband… Continue reading Sara Perez, truly a First Lady
Assassination of Narciso Gener Gonzales, Leading Editor
On January 19, 1903, Narciso Gener Gonzales was assassinated by James H. Tillman, the Lieutenant Governor whom he had campaigned against. Gonzales was a Cuban American born in South Carolina. With his brother, Gonzales founded The State newspaper. Tillman was acquitted of the murder. A monument honoring Gonzales stands near the South Carolina State house.… Continue reading Assassination of Narciso Gener Gonzales, Leading Editor