CUBA, ITS HISTORY AND CULTURE

1492

Columbus lands on Cuba, October 28.

Arawaks (Taino) “Indians” For years they were said to be extinct,

but some still live throughout the Caribbean and on the East Coast of the US.

Spanish Occupation

1492 through 1898 Mono-crop Culture – Sugar Heavily involved in the Triangle Slave

Trade.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

The occasion has been judged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and interests of the United States are involved, that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.

We owe it, therefore, to candor and to the amicable relations existing between the United States and those powers to declare that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety. With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere. But with the Governments who have declared their independence and maintained it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States.

Teddy Roosevelt and Cuba Spanish-American War, Cuba would

become “independent”, but never saw the promise fulfilled.

Instead Cuba became colonized, economically, by the US.

This led to TR’s ascendency to VP of the US, and later President due to McKinley assasination.

Treaty of Paris

Ceded the Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Cuba to the US.

Cuba would technically be a “protectorate”, with the benefits of self rule guaranteed. This would never fully be the case until 1959.

When the US Arrived . . .

Cries of “CUBA LIBRE” were heard. Freedom was expected, but never fully delivered.

In Cuba, “Cuba Libre” is now code, meaning: “La Mentirita”, or “The Little Lie”.

Cuban “Independence?”Cuban “Independence?”

Senator Orville Platt

Senator Orville Platt

Platt Amendment (1903)

1. Cuba was not to enter into any agreements with foreign powers that would endanger its independence.

2. The U.S. could intervene in Cuban affairs if necessary to maintain an efficient, independent govt.

3. Cuba must lease Guantanamo Bay to the U.S. for naval and coaling station.

4. Cuba must not build up an excessive public debt.

Jose Marti

National Hero, Poet, and Grandfather to the Nation

The Good Neighbor Policy 1930s, FDR concluded that the US

should act as a good neighbor in Latin America.

FDR lifted the Platt amendment “freeing” Cuba.

This led to Fulgencio Batista’s successful coup, and eventually cost many American companies property and assets.

Fulgencio Batista

Took Power through a revolution of sorts. He became dictator and was in power through 1959.

Massive government corruption, “elections”, organized crime, casinos, etc.

Cuba was similar to Vegas today, without the benefit of a stable government to curb crime.

July 26th Movement

7/26/1953 A group of rebels, including Fidel Castro, attempted to take an army barracks with the hope to find munitions.

Most were captured, many killed or executed.

Castro was released in 1955 and he and other rebels escaped to Mexico.

Revolution Begins to Take Hold

1957, Fidel, Raul, and Che Guevara lead a group of 82 on the Granma, landing in Eastern Cuba.

3 Days later the group encountered Batista’s army and lost about 75% of their men.

They fled to the Sierra Maestras, where they carried out guerilla campaigns, both through media (radio) and military attacks

Taking of Santa Clara

December 31,1958, Santa Clara Falls, Batista flees to the Dominican Republic.

Castro’s forces march into Havana January 8, 1959.

Changes In Cuba Following Revolution Universal Health Care Universal Education Universal Housing Rations supplied by the government.

Political Dissent in Cuba

Again, La Mentirita. Batista supporters were summarily executed.

The government controlled all media (however, Key West is well within broadcast range).

Speaking out against Fidel or the government is forbidden.