The first Communist Party of Cuba: 100 years later

Images via the PCC

Lecture by Elvis Raúl Rodríguez Rodríguez, vice president of the Cuban Institute of History, in the commemoration of the centenary of the founding of the First Communist Party of Cuba, translated from the Spanish.

THE FIRST COMMUNIST PARTY OF CUBA

August 16 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the first Communist Party of Cuba, undoubtedly a historic event of immense political significance that extended beyond the nation's borders.

In a congress that, due to its size, resembled a typical party organization meeting rather than an event of significant importance, a small group of communists chose to organize themselves to carry on the struggle started by the Cuban mambisado of '68, fully aware of the challenges and threats they would face in the future. On that day, the Communist Party of Cuba was officially formed. It has been 100 years since that moment.

The minutes indicate that the 18 participants included representatives from the Mexican Communist Party and communist groups from Havana, Manzanillo, Guanabacoa, and San Antonio de los Baños, along with a group of Hebrew communists and a fraternal delegate from the Hebrew youth. The majority were of working-class origin, complemented by a student, two teachers, a public employee, and three intellectuals. These individuals were chosen by their respective organizations, which, as per the regulations, sent one delegate for every 10 militants.

Among the 13 members of its inaugural Central Committee, seven were esteemed labor leaders with recognized authority and while most of them lacked substantial theoretical training and experience in party activities, they were distinguished by their combative history and unwavering loyalty to the interests of the working class and its people.

The communists in the country numbered fewer than 100, organized into nine groups. Among them were Carlos Baliño, who served as a direct link between José Martí's Cuban Revolutionary Party and co-founded both parties, and Julio Antonio Mella, a prominent intellectual and activist from the university circles, involved in the anti-Machado movement and recognized as a leader of the Anti-Imperialist League across the continent. Fabio Grobart, originally from Poland and an active member of the Communist Youth League there, arrived in Cuba in 1924 due to the severe repression against communists. He joined the Jewish Section of the Communist Group of Havana and was a founding member of the first Communist Party of Cuba on August 16, 1925. Due to his exceptional merits and virtues, he became a member of its Central Committee in 1926 and after that held various leadership roles within the Party.

The Party emerged from a long and intricate journey of struggle and the gathering of forces, wills, and aspirations of the Cuban political vanguard, with its immediate roots traced back to the late nineteenth century. By that time, Marxist ideas and socialist concerns among some workers in Tampa and Key West, who supported Martí's revolutionary efforts, were already taking hold. The Socialist Party of Cuba was established in 1899, grounded in Marxist principles and led by Diego Vicente Tejera. This later evolved into the Cuban Workers' Party at the beginning of the century, then the Socialist Workers' Party, and eventually returned to being the Socialist Party of Cuba, with Baliño as one of its key leaders.

Due to the situation in the country, that Party was unable to completely advance its activities. In 1923, the Socialist Group of Havana severed ties with the Second International, aligned with the Third International, and transformed into the Communist Group of Havana under the leadership of Baliño, marking the start of Julio Antonio Mella's revolutionary life. The success of the October Revolution of 1917 in Tsarist Russia paved new paths, provided inspiration, and shared experiences. Marxist theories were further enriched by Lenin's interpretation, practice, and development.

Internally, the situation was highly complex. Cuba functioned as a mediatized republic and a neocolonial possession of the United States; the infamous Platt Amendment granted the U.S. the constitutional right to intervene. Just three months earlier, Gerardo Machado had been elected president, marking the start of one of the darkest periods in our history. Additionally, the trade union movement lacked a solid political orientation. U.S. monopolies controlled 70% of the sugar mills, the wealth, the press, the university, the schools, the army, police, parliament, judiciary, and the corrupt political parties; they dominated the Republic.

During those working sessions, a program could not be approved. The conditions were unfavorable. However, the congress reached a series of agreements enabling it to engage effectively with the masses. The first Statute was approved, and a program of struggle was outlined; This program mandated involvement in trade unions and other mass organizations, organizing peasants, and advocating for the rights of women and youth.

One of the most significant agreements was to become part of the Communist International, established by Lenin in 1919, thereby connecting to the communist movement not only politically and ideologically but also organically.

The establishment of the first communist party marked a significant shift in the nation's political landscape. Prior to this, all existing parties, despite their differences, served the interests of the same class and were, in some way, backed by US imperialism. With the emergence of a Marxist-Leninist party, closely connected to the workers' movement, the country saw a response to an urgent historical need: combining the fight for national liberation with the struggle for social liberation, a concept previously unaddressed by any existing political party. This new entity emerged in the public sphere, with goals that conflicted with the interests of the capital-owning and powerful classes in the country.

Throughout its thirty-six-year history, the Communist Party of Cuba, which was later renamed the Revolutionary Communist Union and subsequently the Popular Socialist Party, set itself the strategic objective of achieving national independence and building a socialist society.

For this reason, its emergence was met with concern by the United States government, and the policy of persecution soon intensified. They were denied registration in the register of associations; José Miguel Pérez, their secretary, was arrested and expelled from the country along with other immigrants. Julio Antonio Mella was arrested, accused of being a terrorist, and after leading a heroic hunger strike to gain freedom, he was forced to leave the territory under threat of death. In 1925, the first legal case against his leadership was initiated, which was repeated in 1927. The militants faced various abuses to separate them from the masses.

The departure of these leaders, plus the death of Carlos Baliño in 1926, resulted in significant losses. However, there was an increase in the activity of the working class, given the leadership of Rubén Martínez Villena, who before Machado's rise to power had already stood out in the Veterans and Patriots Movement and during the Protest of the Thirteen. At that time he did not belong to the party, but undoubtedly his ideology and his defense of the interests of the working class placed him as an unparalleled leader; from his position in the National Workers' Confederation of Cuba he was considered the main leader of the working class. He joined the Party eighteen months after it was founded and was subsequently brought into the Central Committee, eventually becoming its primary leader, though he never took on the role of general secretary. A man with firm political beliefs, he was no longer vigorous enough to keep fighting and died defending an ideal and calling for the essential struggle to kill tyrants, a mission that would be carried out years later by other young members of the Centennial Generation.

The party's initial eight years coincided with the Machado dictatorship, resulting in its operations being conducted under extremely harsh conditions, largely in secrecy or semi-secrecy. Confronting such a challenging environment led to errors in their strategies and actions. Nevertheless, despite these circumstances, their influence and prestige among the working masses steadily increased.

With the fall of Machado, a period of semi-legality began for the Party. In response to the situation following the regime's overthrow, the Party advocated for a workers' and peasants' government. This call led to the proclamation of "soviets" in several areas, which, as Raúl noted during the 60th anniversary of the Party's founding, did not align with the needs of Cuba at that time but demonstrated the Party's mobilizing power. Additionally, the communists showed solidarity with the courageous struggles of the peasants of Realengo 18, in what is now the province of Guantánamo, in their fight for land rights.

In the latter half of the 1930s, as the political and social conditions in the country worsened due to the Batista-Mendieta alliance, with the influence of the American Embassy and Ambassador Jefferson Caffery's directives, the Party dedicated itself to rebuilding what had been dismantled and strengthening its organization in order to move forward. It initiated a significant and dynamic movement to reclaim the rights and freedoms taken from the people, calling for unity in the face of Batista's despotism and imperialism.

During these turbulent and contradictory years, a remarkable achievement of the Party was organizing a solidarity campaign to support the Spanish Republic. This effort included sending around a thousand volunteer fighters to the International Brigades, the largest contingent from Latin America. For the first time, Cubans traveled to another country to provide generous and selfless assistance. Through the blood of dozens of its members, they created a brilliant chapter of heroism in the anti-fascist struggle. Pablo de la Torriente Brau stands as the epitome of those who upheld the noble principles of internationalism on Spanish soil.

For the Party, the period from 1938 to 1944 was crucial. In 1938, after 13 years of operating in secrecy, the Party achieved legalization due to pressure from workers and the public. This allowed it to broaden and strengthen its influence and activities. The Party quickly launched its official newspaper, "Noticias de Hoy," and the theoretical magazine "Fundamentos," and with an unprecedented level of popular support, the radio station Mil Diez began broadcasting. These three channels were vital for spreading Marxist-Leninist ideas. During this time, Party membership also increased more than eightfold.

The establishment of the Confederation of Cuban Workers (CTC) and the appointment of the esteemed communist leader Lázaro Peña as its Secretary General carried substantial implications. It was within this framework that the Constitution of 1940 was enacted, with the Communist Party playing a crucial role in its development. Reflecting on the Party's activities during the 60th anniversary of its founding, Raul emphatically stated:

Despite the considerations that can now be made at the level of scientific inquiry based on the outcomes of various tactics, it is undeniable that the Party encountered a complicated and complex political situation that cannot be ignored when evaluating this period of its existence. Beyond verdicts and speculations, it is indisputable, no one can deny, that the communists consistently, with dedication and perseverance, defended the interests of the Cuban working class and the general populace by all means, serving the central goal that progressive humanity was pursuing at that time: the defeat of Nazi fascism.

The brutal reactionary offensive launched against the labor and communist movement nationwide signaled a new phase for Cuban communists. Starting in 1947, there was a systematic attack on trade unions, a renewed intense persecution of communists and workers' leaders, and the dominance of organized crime everywhere.

During this period, on January 22, 1948, Jesús Menéndez was assassinated in Manzanillo, among others. More difficult times were ahead for our people.

The post-war period and Cold War policy brought a radical change in the national and international situation. A turbulent period began, marked by a gloomy and dramatic atmosphere due to the reactionary and treacherous coup on March 10, 1952. Political forces were clearly defined. Revolutionary organizations like the 26th of July Movement, the Popular Socialist Party, and the March 13th Revolutionary Directorate shared strategic goals but employed different tactics, causing disunity in their daily fight against tyranny. Over time, and through the revolution's efforts led by the Centennial Youth with Fidel at the forefront, these divisions were overcome, culminating in a united final battle. The revolutionary organizations ultimately came together to tackle the revolution's new challenges, first recognizing each other, then coordinating actions, and finally uniting in ideals and objectives.

Over the past century, a significant amount has been written about the first Communist Party of Cuba, reflecting various ideological perspectives and goals. One of the most outstanding works, known for its scientific rigor, depth, and objective analysis, is by historian Angelina Rojas Blaquier. Her work, titled "The First PCC," was published in three volumes by Editorial Oriente in 2005.

Acknowledging their mistakes does not diminish the value of their work, as the party itself critically evaluated its own efforts. Overall, there is no real comparison between their mistakes and successes. Their actions were marked by loyalty to the working class, the people, and the goal of victory over capitalism.

As Fidel explained, there came a day when the July 26 Movement, the Popular Socialist Party, and the March 13 Revolutionary Directorate all ceased to exist, forming the foundation of our current great Communist Party. It became one party, not three or four, embodying the only true and scientific ideology. As Fidel noted, it is a party akin to José Martí's Independence Party.

It is impossible to discuss our first Communist Party without referencing Blas Roca, who dedicated his life, intellect, and revolutionary zeal to the great cause of socialism.

Starting in 1934, he led the Party, surmounting the most challenging obstacles to achieve the noble goals of fully emancipating the Fatherland and humanity.

With steadfast patriotism and confidence in the future, as Raúl noted, he entrusted the Party's flag to Fidel following the Revolution's victory, showcasing the revolutionary integrity and unmatched selflessness characteristic of individuals with exceptional political conscience and moral stature. On that memorable occasion, Comrade Fidel Castro, Blas stated, "has shown a remarkable ability to guide the Revolution, overcoming all challenges and difficulties, towards the building of socialism by establishing collective ownership of the key means of production and eradicating imperialist, landowner, and capitalist private property."

One hundred years ago, the first Communist Party of Cuba was founded, a continuation of Martí's Party, the predecessor of Fidel's Party, the current Communist Party of Cuba, which today also encounters numerous challenges from an empire striving to eradicate the revolutionary ideology of this people, dismantle the social foundations of our Revolution, and push us back to the disgraceful past we experienced before January 1959.

Confronted with these new challenges, the determination of today's political vanguard prevails, recognizing their duty to protect the achievements made and their significant responsibility in maintaining the historical progress initiated by the mambises of '68. Despite enormous challenges, they remain committed to socialism, aiming for human well-being, inclusive of everyone and for the benefit of all, in a Revolution by the humble, with the humble, and for the humble.

Empowered and inspired by the influence of that small group of communists, along with the ideas and teachings of Martí, Mella, Baliño, Blas, Fidel, Raúl, and the historic generation, as well as the drive of today's political vanguard, and united with our people, we proudly proclaim, LONG LIVE THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF CUBA!

Thanks very much.

This work was translated and shared via a License CC-BY-NC