hey had a friend in Cuba (Sierra 2). Many of Batista's enemies were killed. Government forces shot one of his most bitter opponents, Antonio Guiteras, in 1935 while waiting for a boat in Manatanzas. Others just seemed to disappear into thin air (Ward 54).
             In 1940, Batista became the first president under a new constitution. However, four years later he lost his popularity and control.
             "Batista's chance to siton the president's chair came in 1940. Supported by a coali-
             tion of political parties, and by the Com-
             munists, he defeated his old rival Grau
             San Martin in the first presidential elec-
             tion under a new Cuban constitution. Dur-
             ing his presidency, trade relations with
             the U.S. increased, and a series of was
             taxes were imposed on the Cuban popu-
             lation. In 1944, Grau San Martin was e-
             lected president and Batista was forced
             to relinquish control" (Sierra 2).
             In 1948, while living in Daytona Beach, Florida, Batista ran for and won a seat in the Cuban Senate (Ward 167). Four years later he ran for president again but found he was in last place. Not wanting to lose face in front of the country again, Batista staged his second coup. "He longed for the power he once held and hoped his move would win hi
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