REPUBLIC OF CUBA

Genius question: How did Cuba gain its independence and from whom?

Spain controlled Cuba from the 1500’s until the Spanish American War in 1898.

The U.S. defeated Spain and granted Cuba its independence.

Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders storm San Juan Hill.

Flag of Cuba

Fidel Castro

Picture taken in the early 60’s.

Communist dictator since 1959.

Fidel Castro today.

Still the Communist dictator.

Although, he is very ill and hasn’t been seen in over a year. His brother is currently running the country.

Monument to Che Gueverra, known simply as “Che.”

Along with Castro, he overthrew the corrupt Cuban gov’t in 1959.

His goal was to export revolution to other Latin countries.

“Che” was killed in Bolivia in an attempt to overthrow the government and set up a new communist government.

Cuba’s main export, sugar.

A Cuban sugar cane farmer in a field of fresh sugar cane.

Sugar cane grows well in the Caribbean. It was brought to the New World by Europeans.

As a result of a poor economy, Cuba has recently opened vacation spots for foreign visitors.

There are beautiful beaches all around the island.

Unfortunately, the beaches are for foreign tourists, not for local Cubans.

Tourism is a source of desperately needed money.

It is against US law to travel to Cuba.

Cuba’s government stresses athletic success.

They have won numerous events in baseball, track, and basketball in world games and the Olympics.

While successful athletes in Cuba live the “good life” by Cuban standards, most earn around $100 a month.

Several have “escaped” to the USA and signed lucrative pro contracts worth millions.

In 1962, the Soviet Union placed missiles in Cuba that could quickly reach the USA.

This created an international incident that nearly led to war between the USA and USSR.

After the island was embargoed by the US Navy, and much much negotiation, the missiles were withdrawn.

South Florida has a large Cuban population. Little Havana is a region of Miami.

After the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, the USA placed an embargo on Cuba. As a result, Cubans recycle old American cars.

Because they can’t get replacement parts, Cubans become very creative in keeping old US cars running.

The average people of Cuba who have a car repair, repair, and repair again old American cars.

They are an intelligent and creative people who manage to work through the many shortages of life.

Nothing goes to waste in regards to old American car and truck parts.

It is against U.S. law to sell anything, including replacement parts, to anyone in Cuba.

How does this effect their economy?

Hundreds of thousands of Cubans have fled to the USA since 1960. Many find inventive ways to make the journey.

Thousands still try to get to the USA every year.

IMMIGRATION

It is unknown how many Cubans have died attempting the trip.

Cuba has many impressive buildings built prior to the communist takeover, but most are falling into disrepair due to a lack of money.

Healthcare is free and widely available in the country.

In most cases doctors are only paid a few hundred dollars a month.

Education is universal and available to everyone in Cuba.

Cubans value education and have a literacy rate similar to that of the USA.

Unfortunately, even with a good education, most Cubans live on less than $3,000 per year.

Most city dwellers live in sub-standard housing in need to repairs that never happen.

The tropical climate of Cuba is perfect for growing tobacco.

In spite of the demand, very little Cuban tobacco makes its way to the USA.

Cuban cigars are some of the best in the world. Despite the US embargo, many find their way into the hands to many Americans willing to pay a high price for the cigars.

The USA signed a long lease on Guantanamo Bay, on the southern coast of Cuba, in the early 1900’s.

Why is this location often in the news today?

What is the island just to the southeast of Guantanamo Bay?

The many faces of a Cuban. Hispanic and African heritage.

Millions of people of Cuban descent live in the USA.