uietpopular unrest on the island. A degree of stability was accomplished followingthe impeachment in 1936 of President Miguel Mariano Gmez by the senate,which was controlled by Fulgencio Batista Zaldvar. With the support of Batista,the head of the Cuban army and unofficial dictator of Cuba, the new president,the former political leader and soldier Federico Laredo Br, put into operation aprogram of social and economic reform. Batista won the presidential contest of1940, defeating Ramn Grau San Martin, the opposition candidate. Thepromulgation in 1940 of a new constitution contributed further to the lessening ofpolitical tension.In December 1941 the Cuban government declared war on Germany, Japan,and Italy; consequently it became a charter member of the United Nations (UN)in 1945. The presidential election of 1944 resulted in victory for Grau SanMartin, the candidate of a broad coalition of parties. The first year of hisadministration was one of recurring crises caused by various factors, includingwidespread food shortages, but he regained popularity the following year byobtaining an agreement with the U.S. government for an increase in the price ofsugar. In 1948 Cuba joined the Organization of American States (OAS).Fluctuations in world sugar prices and a continuing inflationary spiral kept thepolitical situation unstable in the postwar era. Carlos Prio Socarrs, a member ofthe Autntico Party and a cabinet minister under Grau San Martin, was electedpresident in June 1948. Shortly after his inauguration a 10 percent reduction inretail prices was decreed in an attempt to offset inflation. Living costs continuedto rise, however, leading to unrest and political violence.The Batista Regime In March 1952 former president Batista, supported by the army, seized power.Batista suspended the constitution, dissolved the congress, and instituted aprovisional government, promising elections the following year. After crushing anuprising in Oriente Provi...
