The Cuban independence movement refers to a series of struggles by the Cuban people to gain independence from Spanish colonial rule. The movement began in the late 19th century, with significant events like the Ten Years' War (1868-1878) and the Cuban War of Independence (1895-1898). Key figures, such as José Martí, played a crucial role in rallying support for the cause. The movement ultimately led to the Spanish-American War in 1898, where the United States intervened. Following the war, Cuba gained formal independence in 1902, although U.S. influence remained significant through the Platt Amendment, which allowed American intervention in Cuban affairs.