1871-1881

The breakneck pace of Marti’s life continued unabated in the decade that followed his deportation to Spain. During his three years there, he became known throughout the Cuban exile community for his impassioned oratory, fiery political tracts, and unceasing efforts in defense of Cuba. He also found the time to take degrees in several subjects from the University of Zaragoza. Then he moved on, visiting Paris and New York for the first time before settling for a few years in Mexico, where he acquired a love for that country, a Mexican friend, Manuel Mercado, whom he would keep until his death, and a Cuban wife. After spending a year teaching in Guatemala, he returned to Cuba, where his only son was born. But the decade’s end found him exiled for his political activities once more, this time in New York City, where he thought his stay would be brief.