Mario García Menocal
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Mario García Menocal (December 17, 1866 - September 7, 1941) was a Cuban politician, who served as President of Cuba from 1913 to 1921. As a young man he was involved in Cuba's fight for independence from Spain. When Cuba did receive independence following the Spanish-American War Menocal became a leading conservative politician.
Mario García Menocal was elected President in 1912 and became known for his strong support of business and corporations, which was criticized by many. He was reelected in 1916, though the election was challenged by the liberals. In perhaps his most notable action, Menocal authorized Cuba's declaration of war against Germany on April 7, 1917, entering World War I a day after the United States. This was believed by many to be an attempt to get the United States to give more support to his government.
His two terms as president were noted for the rampant growth of corruption and graft that are to be expected with the initial development of a liberal democracy. The lack of mature institutions and a well-developed civil society created a gap which he clearly abused.
After his presidency, Menocal continued to be involved in politics, running for President again in 1924. He attempted a revolution in 1931, and went into exile in the United States when it failed. After less than five years he returned to Cuba and ran for President a final time in 1936.
He was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, from Cornell University (Delta Chi Chapter) and invited his fraternity brothers, to the first international fraternity conference outside the US, which took place in Cuba. He treated his brothers there with a fabulous time and there was much press coverage.
