This decree was more than a vague promise, it solidified the ideals of the movement (a more solid idea of emancipation but limited). Céspedes decreed that all slaves belonging to enemies would be freed and their owners would not receive compensation while pro - Cuban owners who present their slaves to rebel authorities would get financial compensation. This was limited though because runaway slaves would be brought back to owners if they supported the Cuban cause and separatists could lend their slaves to the cause while still maintaining ownership. In all, the decree represented a very limited emancipation and condoned slavery.
The Western Region of Cuba experienced economic expansion during the first half of the 19th Century. This expansion caused sugar mills to grow in numbers, size and productivity. Sugar mills began to displace tobacco and coffee farms.
Rebels led by Calixto Garcia fought for independence from Spain in what was seen as in some cases a continuation of the "Ten Years War". After Calixto had been released from prison following the "Pact of Zanjon" which ended the 10 years war, he organized the Cuban Revolutionary Committee and the committee declared war on Spain in 1878. However, due to no foreign aid, public exhaustion following the 10 years war, and lack of supplies and experienced leadership the revolution failed and was quickly quelled by Spainish forces by 1880.
Carlos Manuel de Céspedes and his followers begin the Ten Years' War. After freeing his slaves, Céspede invited them to help Cuban gain its independence from Spain. This armed call began the ten year war in Cuban and ultimately the start of the Cuban Revolution.
Unlike the other revolutions in North and South America...the Cuban revolution against the Spanish seemed to be far more egalitarian. Over 60% of the army was made up of men of color who also held high ranking positions within the army. Instead of the revolution only focusing on the rights of white men and their possessions...Cuba's quest for independence was fueled by Cubans wanting equality for all people..no matter the color of their skin. What did Simon Bolivar think of a revolution that benefited all races. What would the founding fathers of the United States thought?
On this date, Cespedes ordered that all slaves would be considered free. If their owner was an enemy of the revolutionary cause, they would not receive compensation for their lost slaves. Friends of the cause would receive financial compensation for presenting their slaves to the rebel authorities. But, pro-rebellion slaveholders could lend their slaves to the cause and could keep their slaves until slavery was completely abolished. Additionally, runaway slaves would be returned to pro-rebellion slaveholders.