Alfredo Zayas vs David Ben-Gurion

Alfredo Zayas was elected president of Cuba as the Liberal Party candidate. His election followed a period of political turmoil and US intervention, and he promised to restore honest government.

Zayas launched an anti-corruption campaign, prosecuting officials from the previous Menocal administration. The campaign was popular but limited in scope, as Zayas himself faced accusations of corruption later in his term.

Zayas faced a severe financial crisis caused by falling sugar prices and government debt. He implemented austerity measures, including salary cuts for public employees, which were unpopular but stabilized the economy.

Zayas negotiated with the US to revise the Platt Amendment, which limited Cuban sovereignty. While the revision was minor, it was a step toward greater Cuban autonomy and reduced direct US intervention.

Ben-Gurion read the Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv, proclaiming the establishment of the State of Israel. He became its first prime minister, leading the provisional government during the ensuing 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

As prime minister, Ben-Gurion authorized Israel's invasion of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula in coordination with Britain and France. The operation aimed to regain control of the Suez Canal and end Egyptian blockade of Eilat, but international pressure forced withdrawal.

Ben-Gurion resigned as prime minister citing personal reasons and disagreements with his Mapai party colleagues, particularly over the Lavon Affair. He was succeeded by Levi Eshkol, ending his direct leadership of Israel.