By: John Collins

Revolution Leader Fidel Castro Breaks Ties with U.S. and Allies Himself with the Soviet UnionInitially the United States was an ally with

Cuba, and thought that they were fully democratic, until Fidel Castro broke that trust

Revolution Leader Fidel Castro Breaks Ties with U.S. and Allies Himself with the Soviet UnionCastro created military tribunals for anyone

that faced him.He disavowed Cuba’s 1952 military pact with

the U.S.U.S. broke relations with Cuba January 3,

1961.

Bay of Pigs DisasterA mission planned by President Eisenhower

and his administration was ordered into action by President John Kennedy April 17, 1961.

Bay of Pigs Disaster The mission included Cuban exiles that were

to invade Cuba.The exiles did not gain Cuban support and

were repulsed by Cuban Military.

Soviet-Missile CrisisWhat provoked this crisis, was the soviets

attempt to have missiles in Cuba, capable of striking the U.S.

Soviet-Missile CrisisPresident Kennedy retaliated with a U.S.

blockade of Cuba to stop the missile delivery.Soviet leader then ordered missiles to be

returned.

Poor Health Castro Announces His RetirementAt 81 years old, seventeen months after his

emergency intestinal surgery, Castro stated that he was not healthy enough to campaign in upcoming elections.

In Poor Health Castro Announces His Retirement In February 2008, Fidel Castro ended 49

years, that started with a revolution that he ruled in 1959.

Cubans Begin to Win Small FreedomsIn July 2008, the Government decided to not

be as hard on private farmers in an effort to help the countries food production and reduce dependence on imports.

Cubans Begin to Win Small FreedomsIn March 2009, U.S. congress voted to repeal

restrictions on Cuban-Americans visiting Havana and sending money into the Country.

In July 2010 Fidel Castro stated he planned to release 52 political prisoners.

Cuba Takes Possible Steps toward a New Leader Not Named CastroOn April 19, 2011 Jose Ramon Machado filled

the second-highest position in the communist party.

Cuba Takes Possible Steps toward a New Leader Not Named CastroIn October 2011, rules in Cuba became a

little less strict. Citizens were now able to:Buy and sell cars, and real estateGo into business themselves

Pope Makes Long-Awaited VisitMarch 26, 2012 was when the pope visited

Cuba.The visit happened due to years of tension

between the government and the church

Pope Makes Long-Awaited VisitBenedict preached about Cuba becoming a

free nation.About 200,000 people were in Santiago de

Cuba to attend this mass.Many attendees said employers and

Communist Party members pressured them to attend.

Exit Visa Requirement is DroppedOn October 16,2012, the Cuban government

announced they would no longer have to have an exit visa when leaving the country.

Exit Visa Requirement is DroppedThe policy now allows Cubans to leave the

country on vacations or forever. Cubans now only need a passport and visa from country of their destination.

Cuba Resumes Diplomatic Relations with U.S.Alan Gross, a U.S. aid contractor Alan Gross,

was released by Cuba December 17, 2014.In response to this release, President Obama

announced the U.S. would resume full diplomatic relations with Cuba.

Cuba Resumes Diplomatic Relations with U.S.In December of 2014 the ban for Americans

traveling to Cuba was lifted.In April of 2015, John Kerry (U.S. Secretary

of State) and Bruno Rodriguez (Cuban Foreign Minister) met in Panama.

This was biggest meeting in more than a half a century.

How might the relationship between Cuba and the U.S. be changing? In your opining, is this good or bad? The relationship between Cuba and the U.S.

is changing for the best. One more last step may be needed, like the U.S. freeing Cuba from the Economic Embargo they have on them.

How might the relationship between Cuba and the U.S. be changing? In your opining, is this good or bad?

The U.S. and Cuba becoming closer is a great step because it will help both countries economically, and politically.

Works CitedWorks CitedCouncil on Foreign Relations. Council on

Foreign Relations, n.d. Web. 01 June 2015."Cuba off Terrorism List - CNNPolitics.com."

CNN. Cable News Network, n.d. Web. 01 June 2015.