1. Patriotism or death

2.  1492  Columbus claimed Cuba for Spain.  1898  Spanish American War gave Cuba to the United States until it’s independence in 1902. Kept Guantanamo Bay  Fragile democracy was replaced by the authoritarian dictator Batista in 1952; corruption and oppression of the people.  1959  Overthrow of Batista by Fidel Castro who made a single-party state under communism.

4.  Castro and government seized all private property; took control of all social sectors of society (media, government, education, medical, etc.); imprisoned or exiled political opposition. Executed 15-17,000 people “re-educated” teachers, professors, religious leaders, etc.  U.S. angered due to the seizing of U.S. property equaling about 1 billion dollars.  1961  U.S. Bay of Pigs Invasion attempted to overthrow Castro government; CIA trained Cuban exiles.

5.  1961  Cuban missile crisis occurred when JFK demanded the Soviets withdraw Cuban missiles pointed at the U.S. (90 miles from Florida).  1962  U.S. embargo on Cuba; restriction to spend money in Cuba results in a travel restriction for U.S. citizens to go to the island.  Over 1 million Cubans fled Cuba for the United States.  Obama Administration seeks “new beginnings with Cuba;” has allowed Cuban Americans to travel and new visa options for Americans.

6.  2008  Fidel Castro succeeded power to his brother Raul.  2011  Cuba announce the beginning of private property and business within a year.  Reform possible under Raul.

7.  Beautiful environment.  Infrastructure amazing, but falling apart due to them not being “kept up.”  No racism or sexism  No poverty, homelessness, disease, etc.  People frustrated and wanting more.  Political suppression  Police state  No options for ANYTHING  Propaganda everywhere

8.  2 types of currency  Not enough rations  Black market  No technology  Old vehicles and machinery  Feeling of safety  Music everywhere!  Discrimination against able bodied intelligent people. “In communism, inequality comes from placing mediocrity on a level with excellence.” –Pierre Joseph Prudhon