20th Century Cuba Key Terms

These flashcards cover essential terms and definitions related to understanding 20th Century Cuba, including significant events, policies, and movements.

Alliance for Progress

A US aid program offered to Latin American countries by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 aimed at improving social and economic conditions to prevent socialist revolutions.

Angolan Civil War

A major civil conflict in Angola post-independence from Portugal in 1975, viewed as a Cold War proxy war between the US and USSR.

Bay of Pigs Invasion

Failed military invasion of Cuba by a CIA-sponsored group of Cuban exiles, which damaged Kennedy's reputation and strengthened Castro's position.

monocrop boom and bust

Economic vulnerability due to reliance on a single export, with Cuba's economy heavily dependent on fluctuating sugar prices.

CDR (Committees for the Defense of the Revolution)

Militias formed in Cuba by Castro in 1960 to counter foreign threats, which evolved into a surveillance network enforcing conformity.

Cuban Missile Crisis

A 13-day confrontation in 1962 between the US and Soviet Union over missile deployment in Cuba, nearly triggering nuclear war.

Expropriation

The act of the state taking property for public use, pivotal in Castro's nationalization of US-owned assets post-revolution.

Federation of Cuban Women (FMC)

Established in 1960 to promote gender equality and social welfare, evolving from assisting women to empowering them in societal roles.

Helms-Burton Act (1996)

Legislation that strengthened the US embargo on Cuba and allowed lawsuits against foreign companies using expropriated Cuban properties.

M-26-7 (26th of July Movement)

The revolutionary organization led by Fidel Castro that overthrew the Batista dictatorship, advocating for land reform and social change.

Mariel boatlift

The 1980 mass emigration of Cubans to the US from Mariel Harbor, reflecting dissent against Castro's regime.

Military Units to Aid Production

Alternative military service set up for conscientious objectors and others who opposed Castro, highlighting Cuba's censorship and persecution.

Non-Aligned Movement

A coalition of states not aligned with major power blocs; Cuba participated to champion anti-imperialism and global solidarity.

Operation Mongoose

CIA project authorized in 1960 to remove Castro from power, leading to multiple failed attempts and increased U.S.-Cuba tensions.

Operation Peter Pan

The exodus of 14,000 unaccompanied minors from Cuba to the US in the early 1960s, reflecting familial fears of communism.

Platt Amendment

Legislation granting the US authority to intervene in Cuban affairs and oversee finances, which fueled Cuban nationalism.

Special Period

A time of economic crisis in Cuba post-1989 following the Soviet Union's collapse, leading to adaptations in trade and private enterprises.

Tricontinental Conference of 1966

A meeting in Havana addressing anti-colonial issues, showcasing Cuba's commitment to global revolution and anti-imperialism.