King of the Gunrunners: How a Philadelphia Fruit Importer Inspired a Revolution and Provoked the Spanish-American War

John D. Hart was a Philadelphia fruit importer who thrived in the 19th century until the financial Panic of 1893. He was approached by Emilio Nuñez, a member of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, to transport guns and ammunition to the Cuban rebels. Hart became the most visible of a disparate group of mariners who tormented Spanish authorities, riled the US government, and became heroes to an oppressed people fighting to be free. His adventures helped pave the way for the United States emergence as an international power and led to the Spanish-American War, which compelled Spain to abandon Cuba and cede sovereignty over Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States.

Format: Hardback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2024
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi

By the end of the nineteenth century, John D. Hart had established himself as the most prominent importer of bananas on the East Coast. A skilled sailor with a powerful voice, Hart relentlessly transported tropical fruit to an unquenchable market, seemingly unconcerned with notions of supply and demand. However, when an unforeseen crisis struck the fruit industry, Hart found himself ill-prepared. The financial Panic of 1893 proved catastrophic for his strategy of importing an endless supply of bananas. Jobless consumers were unable to afford such luxuries, resulting in Hart's company nearing bankruptcy. In a moment of desperation, Hart was approached by Emilio Nuñez, a member of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, a group of exiled conspirators based in New York with a sole mission of liberating Cuba from four hundred years of Spanish rule. Nuñez enlisted Hart as a filibuster, tasking him with transporting guns and ammunition to the Cuban rebels. For nearly three years, Hart emerged as the most prominent figure among a diverse group of mariners navigating between New York and Key West. Their actions infuriated Spanish authorities, sparked tensions with the US government, and earned them the admiration and support of the oppressed Cuban people, who yearned for freedom.

In his book, King of the Gunrunners: How a Philadelphia Fruit Importer Inspired a Revolution and Provoked the Spanish-American War, author James W. Miller delves into the untold tale of a forgotten American whose exploits played a significant role in shaping the United States' rise to international prominence. The Yellow Press relentlessly publicized Hart's adventures, further escalating the nation's sentiments and ultimately leading to the inevitable outbreak of war with Spain. The swift and decisive US victory in what became known as the Spanish-American War compelled Spain to relinquish control over Cuba, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, which were subsequently acquired by the United States. During the conflict, the United States also annexed the independent state of Hawaii. This volume presents the captivating story of Hart, highlighting his pivotal role in the events that shaped the course of history.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 166 x 244 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496849908