1. The Cuban Revolution

2. Background Cuba was a Spanish Colony
One of the wealthiest in Latin America
Economy based on Sugar exports to US and Europe
Spanish controlled the nation politically, economically and socially
Large underclass of Blacks (descendants of Slaves) and poor mestizos

4. Background Independence Movement against Spain developed
Jose Marti was intellectual leader
Arrested in 1868 revolt against Spain when he was 16
Killed by Spanish troops in 1895
National Liberation Army fought on—Afro-Cubans and Women played important roles

5. Spanish-American War
United States becomes involved as conditions worsen—concentration camps established by Spanish leader in Cuba (Valeriano Wyler)
US had long been interested in Cuba: 90 miles from Florida, Sugar grower, strategic location in the Caribbean
US businesses in Cuba unhappy with growing violence

6. Spanish-American War After USS Maine blows up in Havana, US invades
Goal is to “liberate” Cuban people from the Spanish
In reality it was more complex—maintain control over the island, secure business opportunities for US companies
Many Cubans not happy with US entry—feared US taking control of the island
US defeats Spain—Cuban forces relegated to minor role

7. Spanish-American War US occupies Cuba 1899-1902
US helped to write new Cuban Constitution modeled on US version
Platt Amendment was added—Gave US the right to intervene in Cuban Affairs, also Guantanamo Bay became US Naval base

8. Post War US sent troops several times from 1902- 1953
Huge US investment in Sugar ($200 Million by /5th of all US investment in Latin America at the time

9. Post Independence Social structure was maintained
Fear of Afro-Cubans by White Cubans-- reinforced by US military presence
Upper classes were white, Criollos
Lower classes were mestizos, Afro-Cubans
Music reflected the cultural differences between the groups
Danzon was favored by the upper classes-- traditional, based on French Contredanse

10. Post-Independence
Lower classes developed the Son--a musical style thought of as vulgar by the elites
Rumba was the dance
Became the musical backbone of Cuba

11. Machado 1925-1933 Gerardo Machado wins elections in 1925
Starts off making reforms
But his rule developed into a tyranny-- political assassinations, strikes put down violently

12. Attempted Revolution of 1933
200,000 sugar workers led an uprising in 1933
In the chaos, a group of military leaders took control
Led by Fulgencio Batista
He continued to rule behind the scenes in Cuba until 1952

13. Batista Took over in a coup in 1952 pro-US Anti labor
Cuban Elites liked Batista
Most Cubans did not
Was a dictator
Maintained social system, economic dependence on Sugar, strong ties to US
This was the time that Havana was the “hot” spot for US tourists--night clubs, gambling

14. Castro Born in 1929 to well off family
Studied law at University of Havana
Cuban nationalist
Joined aborted attempt to overthrow Dominican dictator 1947

15. 1953 Attempted assault on barracks at Moncanda
Nationalist, not Communist supporters
Captured tortured
Castro put on trial, gained fame

16. Castro’s manifesto Return power to the people Redistribute land
Introduce worker profit-sharing and pensions
Attack corruption
Improve education
Nationalize public utilities
Introduce rent controls
Solidarity with other Latin Americans
Diversify the economy

17. Exile Mexico Met Argentine Ernesto ‘Che” Guevara
Che was anti-US and anti-poverty (Socialism…)
Organized troop of 82 to invade Cuba in 1956

18. Invasion Wrecked along a swampy coast ¾ killed by Batista’s men
Hid in mountain forest
Aided by sympathetic residents

19. Guerilla Warfare
Used media to make people believe their numbers were much larger
Sabotaged Batista’s soldiers and sugar plants

20. Revolution 1959 Castro’s forces take control of Cuba in 1959--
Batista loses support of middle class and flees
Cuban Revolution begins

21. Long Term Causes 1 Sugar
The Cuban economy was based primarily on Sugar—not diversified
Economy rose and fell on Sugar
Most of the Sugar plantations were in the hands of Foreign (US mostly) investors or wealthy upper class Cubans
Seasonal unemployment high
Created structural inequalities in the Cuban population
Markets tied to the US

22. Long Term Causes 2: Anti-US resentment
Since the Spanish-American War and Cuban Independence a great deal of resentment towards US control/effect on Cuban economy and politics

23. Long Term Causes 3: Poitical Instability
From Independence on Cuba had no real stable political experience
Some attempts at reform from time to time, but not much accomplished
Power in the hands of the elites
US essentially ran Cuba 3 different times from 1900s-1930s

24. Long Term Cause 4: soc/econ inequities
Large economic gap between rich and poor
Rich elites were white, small % of the pop.
Rest of nation was mestizos, Afro-Cuban
Land in the hands of elites or foreign interests
Workers did try to unionize, but not particularly successful

25. US Reaction
Castro signed trade agreement with USSR (end US economic stranglehold)
Eisenhower boycotted Cuban sugar
Castro nationalized US businesses
All trade with US embargoed

26. Communist? Castro had not called himself a Communist
anti-US views led him into alliance with Soviets
Eisenhower cut off diplomatic relations in 1961, firmly putting Cuba in the “other” camp