Increasing economic difficulties, caused by complete U.S. control of Cuban finance, agriculture, and industry, marked the period following World War I.  In an atmosphere of crisis, the Liberal Party leader, Gerardo Machado y Morales, campaigned on a reform platform and was elected president in 1924. Economic conditions deteriorated rapidly during his administration, the chief accomplishment of which -  an ambitious public-works program - was achieved by floating huge loans abroad. 

Gerardo Machado y Morales succeeded in acquiring dictatorial control of the government. Opposition was brutally suppressed during his administration.  In 1933, a rebellion supported by the Cuban army forced him into exile. A long period of violence and unrest followed Gerardo Machado y Morales overthrow, with numerous changes of government. 

Barco Granma