Blog Post #1

 I've never quite realized the extent of all that Cuba has been through over the years. It really is amazing, and helps you to understand why Cuba is the way that it is today. Anyway, the discovery of Cuba by the Spanish was initially used as a stop en route to the Americas. It was used for the slave trade. However, as the Spanish realized that Cuba had potential for agriculture, mainly sugar, Spain had become more interested. Not only was this profitable for Spain, but it was also another strong hold in the Western Hemisphere for the Spanish. 

The US got involved as a result of the second war for independence in Cuba, stemming mainly from the US' own economic interest in the area, namely the Panama Canal. It does make you wonder what might've happened if the US didn't get involved, as Cuba territory was essentially transferred from one superpower to another. We also see, from US support of Batista, that the US was only involved because of its own interests. It doesn't seem that the US was interested at all in the Cuban people, or a revolution, unless it was beneficial to them. 

The 1930s saw a major push for and interest in revolution. As a result of the dictator Machado, the Cuban people were fed up with not only being subjugated by their own government, but also Spanish and American control. Coupled with the Great Depression of the 30s, it seems the Cuban people were stretched thin (moreso than usual). Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that Batista was much better, especially considering that he was backed by the US and their interests. This was just another attempt to subdue the Cuban people, and use them for a stronger nations gains. At the end of the Batista regime in the 40s, Cuba experienced democracy, however it came with a double edged sword, as human rights and economic prosperity were respected and gained, it also brought with it increased crime and corruption. The Cuban people began to see this revolution as unable to bring about the positive change needed for Cuba and its people. 

The US embargo on Cuba came as a result of Castro' policies and the creation of a one party communist regime. The US essentially saw this as a threat to democracy in the Western World. Of course, the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion only made things worse, and the US really began to see Cuba as more trouble. The Cuban missile crisis again only made things worse, as Cuba teamed up with the USSR for economic gain and support. In my opinion, Cuba didn't really have much choice. The largest economy in the world, the US, snubbed Cuba and as a result, Cuba needed support from someone. While it might have made better choices, it almost seemed like a stab in the back to the US. With continuing support from Castro to communist and socialist regimes throughout the world, America saw this as going against everything it stands for. Coupled with illegal Cuban immigration to the US, and the Helms-Burton law, the US had the upper hand in dealing with Cuba. However, Cuba still pulled through, and it really is amazing how much the Cuban people have had to deal with for hundreds of years. As a result of US hostility, Cuba began developing stronger relationships with US competitors and enemies, like North Korea and China.