Background
CÉSPEDES Y Delaware QUESADA, Carlos was born on August 12, 1871 in New York City. Son of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (the hero of Cuban independence) and Ana de Quesada y Loynaz.
CÉSPEDES Y Delaware QUESADA, Carlos was born on August 12, 1871 in New York City. Son of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (the hero of Cuban independence) and Ana de Quesada y Loynaz.
Took an active part in the Cuban Revolution of 1895. Among the posts held were those of governor of the Province of Oriente, representative of the Second Army Corps, secretary of the Assembly of Louisiana Yaya, colonel on the General Staff of the Inspector General, secretary of the “Junta Consultiva.” Withdrew entirely from political life during the two American interventions in Cuba. On the establishment of the Republic, Doctor de Céspedes initiated a long and fruitful diplomatic and political career extending over thirty years.
Among the most important posts held were those of representative in Congress from Oriente, president of the Commission on Tariffs and Codes, Minister Plenipotentiary to Italy (1909-1912), to Argentina (1912-1913), to the United States (1913-1922), Secretary of State (1922-1926).
Minister Plenipotentiary to France (1930-1933). While Minister in Washington negotiated the sale of the Cuban sugar crops of 1917 and 1918 to the United States and the Allies.
On the overthrow of Machado in 1933, Doctor de Céspedes, by virtue of his brief tenure as Secretary of State (August 12), became President of the Republic, a position which he held from August 13 to September 5.
Academia de la Historia de Cuba, and many other learned societies, both Cuban and foreign.