The Cuban historian Rolando Gallardo has sparked debate by questioning the commonly held view of former Cuban President Gerardo Machado as a dictator. Machado, who served from 1925 to 1933, is often vilified by a narrative crafted from a Marxist-Leninist perspective, according to Gallardo. He argues that this view unfairly demonizes a leader who initially came to power through democratic means. Gallardo expressed these thoughts during an interview with Tania Costa on CiberCuba, as part of a series of discussions about Cuba's republican history broadcast live on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Miami time.
Gallardo stated, "The perception we have today of the 1930s Revolution and the supposed dictatorship of Gerardo Machado is entirely shaped by a communist viewpoint with a Marxist-Leninist foundation. They portray Machado as the worst of humanity."
Challenges in Historical Research
Tania Costa noted the challenges she faced in sourcing non-pro-Castro materials for her interviews. Gallardo emphasized that most of the historiography regarding that era was produced by the Castro regime or communists from the 1920s and 1930s, which he believes undermines the official narrative.
"I found that almost all accounts or writings about the 1930 Revolution were crafted by the dictatorship, by the regime," Costa remarked as she introduced the topic. "So if they've fed me half-truths or narratives built on other agendas, I can't trust them."
Machado's Democratic Roots
Gallardo highlighted that Machado was elected president in 1925 after winning the 1924 elections, with no criminal or corruption records. "He was a man who made promises and kept them, which is rare among Cuban politicians who usually fail to deliver," Gallardo emphasized.
The central focus of Gallardo's analysis is the 1928 constitutional reform that extended the presidential term from four to six years. He stresses that this was not a unilateral imposition. "The 1928 constitutional reform wasn't forced by him; it went directly to Congress and was approved by deputies from various political backgrounds, a kind of political diversity we no longer see in Cuba," he explained.
Comparison with Modern Politics
To illustrate the double standards used by the left in similar situations, Gallardo cited former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, who also used constitutional reform to extend his rule to three terms when the law allowed only two. "Just because a communist did it doesn't make it right, but it is legal," Costa remarked to the historian.
However, Gallardo’s most compelling comparison is between Machado’s term extension—two extra years on a four-year term—and the over 67 years the Castro regime has held power since 1959. "We have six years versus 60," he concluded.
Legacy of Public Works
This stark contrast makes it impossible, in his view, to equate Machado with the current Cuban government. Gallardo added with a touch of irony that he can engage in this debate precisely because he has no governing history.
The historian also highlights Machado’s tangible legacy in public works like the Central Highway—approximately 1,139 kilometers constructed in less than four years—and the Capitolio Nacional in Havana, inaugurated in 1929, as evidence of a president who fulfilled his promises, implicitly contrasting with post-1959 leaders.
This interview is part of a critical reevaluation of Cuba's republican history that Gallardo has pursued with Tania Costa, challenging the official Castro narrative about the 1902-1958 period. They argue that this history was deliberately distorted to justify the 1959 'Revolution'.
Understanding Cuba's Historical Narrative
Why does Rolando Gallardo challenge the view of Machado as a dictator?
Gallardo challenges this view because he believes it is based on a Marxist-Leninist narrative that unfairly demonizes Machado, who initially gained power through democratic elections.
What was significant about the 1928 constitutional reform?
The reform extended the presidential term from four to six years and was not a unilateral decision by Machado. It was approved by Congress with support from various political factions, demonstrating political diversity absent in current Cuban politics.