[8] Cuba Revolution

When did Cuba gain its independence from Spain?

In the Treaty of Paris in 1898

Who were Cuba reliant on and why?

Cuba were economically reliant on the USA, ¾ of Cuban imported goods were from the USA in 1914

What were the positives of the USA and Cuba relationship

Americans could benefit by drinking gambling and prostitution which was illegal in home countries

What were the negatives of the USA and Cuba relationship

Corrupt government and police officers who did not support people leading to poverty, poor housing, education and crime

Who was the leader of Cuba in the 1950s and how did he lead Cuba?

Fulgencio Batista led Cuba under an oppressive corrupt military dictatorship and he was extremely unpopular to the Cuban people

What was the leader of Cuba’s relationship between the USA

Batista supported US interests

Who campaigned against Batista’s regime in Cuba and how did he gain support?

In 1950, Fidel Castro overthrew Batista’s regime with guerrilla forces, gaining support by promising land reforms and defending the rights of the poor.

What was the difference between Batista and Castro regarding the Industry and how did it effect the Americans?

Batista - had American influence who controlled tobacco and sugar

Castro - telephone company was nationalized and made cheaper to use which meant not profit and control for the Americans

What was the difference between Batista and Castro regarding Land and how did it effect the Americans?

Batista allowed 75% of Cuba’s best farmland to be owned by foreigners. Castro cut rents by up to 50% for low-wage earners and redistributed land to peasants, opposing American policies and taking assets from the US.

What was the difference between Batista and Castro regarding the Industry and how did it effect the Americans?

Batista - Cuba followed America’s lead in having segregation of blacks and whites

Castro - Segregation was abolished in facilities such as swimming pools, beaches and hotels which angered Americans as they did not support this

What was the difference between Batista and Castro regarding Education and how did it effect the Americans?

Batista - More than 20% of Cubans were illiterate, 61% of children did not go to school

Castro - Asked young students to travel to the countryside to teach people to read and write, implemented free education for all

What was the difference between Batista and Castro regarding Health Care and how did it effect the Americans?

Batista - Cuba had 6,000 doctors 64% of which worked in Havana where most rich people lived

Castro - ordered doctors to distribute around the country

What was the difference between Batista and Castro regarding Repression and how did it effect the Americans?

Batista - Batista’s regime had murdered over 20,000 Cubans

Castro - Those who disagreed publicly with CAstro were imprisoned

What was the difference between Batista and Castro regarding links with other countries and how did it effect the Americans?

Batista - America dominated Cuban industry and politics

Castro - Castro negotiated trade agreements with Russia and other communist countries to export sugar and import weapons and technology

What was the relationship between the Soviets and Cubans in the early 1960s?

In 1960, Castro made a trade agreement with Russia, where by Cuba sent sugar to Russia, in return for oil, machines and money

How did America respond to the agreement with Russia and Cuba and how did Cuba respond after?

Americans stopped trading with Cuba in 1960 to undermine Castro’s regime as they were frightened and in relation Cuba nationalized all American owed companies