Máximo Gómez, paradigm of independence wars

When discussing the wars for Cuba’s independence, it is impossible not to mention the Dominican Máximo Gómez (1836-1905), ranked general of the upsurging Army, for his courage, his strategic knowledge to fight and win. He was ans still is a paradigm of our independence wars.

Máximo Gómez passed away 114 years ago. However, there is still fresh feeling of the first machete charge in Pino de Baire, in 1868; his heroism in Las Guásimas Battle is still astonishing, as well as that of taking the invasion to the West, confronting the Spanish army, well armed and with the ideal conditions to fight.

Máximo Gómez was a master of arms, thought, ideals, abnegation, and altruism. He was a master of the use of intelligence and counterintelligence that remained for posterity. He gained so much prestige and admiration that to the Cubans the word general was insufficient to express all that he deserved and then the term generalissimo came into existence.

Máximo Gómez’s military campaigns are an example of scientific leadership, a study for today’s leaders and for those who intend to lead scientifically in a world in which unfavorable and aggressive environmental conditions are as strong as those faced by the Generalissimo.

Gómez planned all campaigns with the help of his subordinates, executed them under any condition, demanded the maximum of his possibilities from his men, always kept in front of the actions and in the place of greatest danger, took advantage of the climate, the accidents of the terrain, the psychological factors unfavorable for the enemy and those favorable for his objectives. He systematically evaluated his subordinates, encouraged them and kept them motivated with a system of military promotions as never before had an army in a campaign. In short, Gómez shows us in his warrior actions significant elements of the basic principles of scientific leadership.

Máximo Gómez left us a legacy for life.

Written by Jorge Lora