Latin America: Cuban Revolution & Zapatistas

The Cuban Revolution In 1898, the US defeated Spain in the Spanish- American War and Cuba won its independence. For many years Cuba was the richest country in the Caribbean.

In the 1950’s Batista was Cuba’s leader and dictator. Fidel Castro led a small rebel group to try and overthrow Batista in He was not successful until 1959 and is still in control.

Castro promised... –To bring back free elections & a free press –Increase foreign investment –No private businesses would be taken away INSTEAD... –Castro set up a Communist system of government similar to the USSR

The U.S. broke relations with Cuba in January 1961 due to alliance with the USSR. (Cold War) Hundreds of thousands of Cubans fled Cuba because of Castro’s communist policies... Many live in Florida today.

The Zapatistas

Who were the Zapatistas? Native American guerrilla movement rising up against the Mexican government. Guerrilla –a small group of fighters who use surprise attacks to defeat a stronger force. Called themselves the Zapatista National Liberation Army Named after Emiliano Zapata, an Indian farmer and hero of the 1910 Mexican Revolution

What did the Zapatistas protest against? They began their revolt just hours after NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) was signed on Jan. 1, *NAFTA eliminated the trade barriers and tariffs between the USA, Canada and Mexico. Poor Mexican farmers did NOT like NAFTA because cheap corn and other food products from the US began to flood into Mexico. – This forced Mexican farmers to charge LESS for their crops.

What did the Zapatistas do? Seized control of 4 major towns in Chiapas (state in Mexico). – More than 100 people were killed in the fighting between the rebels and government troops. Government regained control and called for a cease- fire. -Negotiations began between the government and rebels.

What was the impact of the Zapatista movement? Several political reforms were put into place to improve the lives of Native Americans in Mexico. Housing & Education Fair distribution of land Laws ensuring that Native Americans were represented in the national legislature. However... the government has been unable to meet these needs, so these farmers have formed self-governing communities to take care of themselves.