The Cuban reform movement is strong enough…

The Cuban reform movement is strong enough in 1865 to organize the Reformist Party (Partido Reformista), the first such political party to exist on the island.

The party is not a cohesive political organization.

Some of its members have been previously involved with the annexation movement, and a few still flirt with the idea.

Others want some form of political autonomy for Cuba within the Spanish empire.

Still others call for the island's representation in the Cortes.

A few feel that reformism can be a step that will eventually lead to complete independence.

In general, the party advocates equal rights for Cubans and Peninsulars, limitation on the powers of the captain-general, and greater political freedom on the island.

It also supports freer trade and gradual abolition of slavery, and calls for an increase of white immigrants into Cuba.

The slave trade is partially curtailed in 1865, and the Spanish governor will issue a law abolishing slavery in Cuba on November 5, 1879.

It will not be until October 7, 1886, however, that a royal decree completely abolishes slavery in Cuba.