The clash between Spanish economic measures and…

The clash between Spanish economic measures and the desires of the Creole sugar slavocracy also contribute to the mounting tension.

Throughout the nineteenth century, the planters have grown into a powerful and vocal group that can control or at least decisively influence the internal politics of the island.

The planters now find themselves saddled with an imperial power whose protectionist policies are challenging their status by attempting to curtail their prerogatives and reduce their mounting importance.

Naturally, they are not about to relinquish their position without a fight.