An insurrection broke out in 1906, which necessitated intervention on the part of the United States. A provisional government was established in August of that year, which continued until January 24, 1909, when the American authorities again evacuated the island, turning the administration over to the newly elected president, Jose Miguel Gomez.
The government prospered under the administration of General Gomez, but in 1911 discontent of the old soldiers who felt that they had not been sufficiently rewarded for their services led to upris ings. There was a threat of further American intervention, but the revolt was quelled by the authorities and order was quickly restored. In 1912 Mario Menocal was elected president. He at once addressed himself for financial and economic reforms, and in 1914 secured a large loan from the United States. Pres ident Menocal was re-elected in 1916. Up to the declaration of war by the United States against Germany, Cuba remained neutral, but on April 7 1917, acting upon the advice of President Menocal, the Cuban Congress declared war against Germany. On the following day the
German minister was given his pass ports. Several Cuban vessels in German waters were seized. War was declared against Austria-Hungary on Dec. 16, 1917. On April 3, 1918, the Cuban Congress passed a law authorizing the creation of an obligatory military serv ice, applying to all male Cubans not ex pressly exempted, and to remain in force for two years, and for one year after the time of peace. The army was to be com posed of 17,000 men in active service. This law was repealed in January, 1919. In 1920, Dr. Alfredo Zayas was nomi nated for president, by coalition of the Conservaive and Popular parties. He was elected by the returns, but the elec tion was disputed, and it was necessary to hold by-elections in 1921. Gen. Crow der as representative of the United States visited the island in the spring of 1921 in order to supervise the elections and otherwise guard the interests of the United States.