Lecture 11: The Cuban Revolution Flashcards
What were the three most influential Latin American revolutions?
- Spanish American wars of independence (1808-1833)
- Mexican Revolution (1910-1920)
- Cuban Revolution (1953-1959)
How did Cuba go from a Spanish colony to a de facto US protectorate?
- Cuba was an important colony during colonial era for sugar production (relied heavily on slave labour)
- US intervened during the war independence
- US began to control a lot of Cuba, corporations dominating key industries while enforcing racial segregation and banning Black political parties
Was there economic growth during the 19th-20th century in Cuba (before the revolution)
Yes, but wealth remained in the hands of the elite
How did the Cuban Revolution begin?
Fidel Castro failed attempt at the Moncada barracks
Went to Mexico to form a guerrilla base
Eventually, came back to overthrow the Batista regime
Who was Fidel Castro?
Guerrilla fighter, important role in the Cuban revolution
Became the Cuban president after the revolution
Charismatic leader
Who was Che Guevara?
- Argentinian born
- Motorcycle trip where he was exposed to injustice and poverty in Latin America
- Played an important role in the Cuban revolution as well as spreading the revolution ideals to other parts of Latin American and the world
Why did Che Guevara fail to organize a Bolivian revolution?
He did not understand the social dynamics of the country (limited knowledge of Indigenous structures in Bolivia)
He was eventually captured by the CIA and killed without trial
What are critiques of the Cuban Revolution?
- Strong repression of intellectuals, especially in the 60s and 70s
- Cuban government became increasingly authoritarian
- Many cubans were persecuted as enemies of the Revolution on account of their art, lifestyles, and/or political beliefs
- One party state
What were the social achievements of the Cuban Revolution?
eliminating racial segregation and establishing universal education and healthcare systems
