Ap Human Geography Period B

Independence of Cuba

1898 Spanish-American War-200,000 Cubans died fighting for their independence. Name

overlooks the struggle. Spain gives control of Cuba, Philippines, and

Guam to U.S. Cuba declares it's independence instead.

Cuban Revolution

Fulgencio Batista was the dictator of Cuba following independence after a coup d'etat.

Unsatisfied with Batista, Fidel Castro, a cuban nationalist, marxist and revolutionary tried to rebel against his government.

Che Guevara and other revolutionaries fought against the Cuban government until their victory in 1959.

Che and Castro

Government in Cuba

Republic of Cuba (defined as a socialist Republic) = Communist State?

Fidel Castro ruled as Prime Minister then President until 2008- continues to hold the highest position in the Communist Party of Cuba.

Cuba had good relations with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, leading the United States to attempt to overthrow Castro.

Is Cuba's government successful despite the fact that it does not have good relations with the US?

Some Facts to Think About...

Cuba's overall literacy rate is 99.8% School Expectancy is 18 years (19 for females) 5.9 Hospital beds for every 1000 people

(Compared to USA 3.0, Canada 3.4, UK 3.38) 6.3 Doctors for every 1000 people (Compared

to USA 2.6, Canada 1.9, UK 2.7)

Healthcare System in Cuba

Article

Education in Cuba

Has it always been high quality? Article

Who does Cuba trade with?

China Venezuela Spain Brazil Canada US?

Embargo on Cuba

1961- Total Embargo on Trade and Aid to Cuba 1963- Kennedy bans all travel to Cuba, Cuban

transactions, and all Cuban made materials. 1970's- Carter Administration relaxes laws,

allows travel to Cuba and money to be sent to Cuban relatives

1981- Reagan's politices on Cuba are more strict, undoing what Carter did.

Embargo Cont.

The UN has unanimously voted to end the Embargo on Cuba.

The only two countries that consitently vote for a continuation of the Ban are the US and Israel.

Palau and Marshall Islands occasionally vote with US and Israel. Why?

In 1995-97 newly independent Uzbekistan voted for the ban, but never voted for it again.

Albania and Paraguay voted for it in 1993, but never again.

Last Vote in 2011 – Only U.S. And Israel (186 to 2)

Life for Cubans

Just like Americans, Cubans are very proud of their country.

Tourism is a big industry in Cuba, despite the fact that it is difficult for United States citizens to visit Cuba due to bad relations, many Europeans visit Cuba.

Life expectancy is 77.8, about the same as the US.

Havana, Cuba

Is Cuba an Isolated State?

From the United States - Yes, Somewhat. From the World – No. Is it a successful state? Cubans in Cuba will

say yes. Cubans who fled Cuba will say no. United States says no. Much of Europe sas yes. China, Russia, Venezuela say yes.

Success is subjective.

The End

Thank you! ¡Gracias!