Jos矇 Juli獺n Mart穩 P矇rez (January 28, 1853 - May 19, 1895) is the Cuban national hero and an important figure in Latin American literature. In his short life he was a poet, an essayist, a journalist, a revolutionary philosopher, a translator, a professor, a publisher, political theorist, and part of the Cuban Freemasons. Through his writings and political activity, he became a symbol for Cuba's bid for independence against Spain in the 19th century. He dedicated his life to the promotion of liberty, political independence for Cuba, and intellectual independence for all Spanish Americans. He was a key figure in the planning and execution of this war, as well as the designer of the Cuban Revolutionary Party and its ideology. He died in military action on May 19, 1895 at the age of 42. Undated, unknown photographer.