Encuentro 3: Cuban History

EARLY CUBAN HISTORY - RENE GONZALEZ

Cuban history is like any other nation's history, complex with many twists and turns. Since 1982 old Havana has been in poor condition. When it was designated a world heritage site restoration immediately took off, however they found a lot of trouble finding the resources to restore it, because of the blockade. Over time most of the buildings have been restored and are quite beautiful with each building being unique in its color size and architecture as shown in a short clip and virtual tour of old Havana brought to us by Sandor.

Before, during, and after the war of independence (1868–78) the sugar aristocracy dominated the island. They held vast influence over policy decisions chief among them being slavery. They didn’t all go against Spain during the war of independence and not all sided with Cuba, however, the majority went for an independent Cuban state. The leaders of Cuba during the independence war were anti-slavery to a degree wanting to phase it out, and trying to move past such a harsh institution. Unfortunately for Cuba, this did not happen in the way it was wished, slow was the progress, shunted were the soldiers who made up 80% of their veterans, and no control over policy regarding themselves without the foreign intervention of the United States. The war of independence dragged on as neither side could gain an advantage. The Americans decided to aid the Cubans, but at the end of the war, the United States had effectively annexed it. The Paris accords ended the war between the United States, Cuba, and Spain. After the war, the US created a new constitution for Cuba that allowed the United States to veto any proposal that they disliked. This would eventually lead to the Cuban revolution and the freedom from foreign domination after almost 70+ years of American dominance. This would also be the beginning of the blockade which has lasted more than 65 years at this point.

After the war of independence the sugar elite which dominated the island before the war slowly vanished, this cause severe capital shortages for the island which forced it to be dominated by foreign players primarily the United States. This isn't the full story however as those elite were not solely Cuban, but also Spanish, thus foreign domination of Cuba whether it be forced upon them through war or through investment and capital was probable even if you change key events. Both the Spanish and the Americans wanted that island, and in the end no amount of unity could ever prevent and keep away foreigner. The Cuban leadership looked to its ideological partner, the Soviet Union for assistance. The end result of the Cuban missile crisis would be the United State's guarantee of Cuban sovereignty which persists to this day.