Numerous countries in Latin America have transitioned to more democratically sound political structures in the past forty years. Pressure from within the countries and abroad forced political revolutions that incorporated free elections in order to equally represent citizens that previously had no voice in society. However, with the transformation of other countries occurring, there are dissident entities in Latin American that refuse to comply with the new political migration. One country in particular, which does not have physical geographic connection to Central and South America, fiercely resisted the vociferous call of democracy. That country is Cuba situated ninety miles off the Florida coast and exists as an antithesis to United States democracy. Cuba’s unwillingness to succumb under the United States’ to adopt democratic policies has made it a special case of socialism. A revolution, transition to socialist belief, and increased economic stability have culminated in a country that appears to be progressing, but stagnant in developing into a functioning political body.
The Cuban Revolution, incited after Fidel Castro assumed power in Cuba, aimed to reform most of the policies left behind by Dictator Fulgencio Batista. Castro’s successful guerilla operations laid the groundwork for dismantling the Batista regime, and gave the Cuban people a relief from the repressive tactics used by the dictator. Historically, most revolutions take the path of using violence in order to achieve a new order of government. With Batista gone, members of the “middle class, workers, peasants, foreign investors, the U.S. embassy, and other observes” wondered “What kind of revolution would this be?” (Skidmore, Smith, & Green, 2010). Castro sough...
... middle of paper ...
...e prime example of what socialism is capable of, and what the desires of larger and more developed countries can cause for countries that wish to remain independent. Castro’s revolution set aside the typical idea of a revolution by focusing on social issues that riddle the country with instability stagnant growth, but placed confidence in the Soviet Union for economic support, contradicting the national need for political independence.
Works Cited
Eckstein, S. (1986). The Impact of Cuban Revolution: A Comparative Perspective. Comparative Studies in Society and History, 502-534.
Skidmore, T. E., Smith, P. H., & Green, J. N. (2010). Modern Latin America. In T. E. Skidmore, P. H. Smith, & J. N. Green. New York, New York: Oxford University Press Inc.
UNICEF, World Health Organization, United Nations Population Division and United Nations Statistics Division
On July 26, 1953, the war for Cuba’s independence began, and for 6 years many Cubans fought for their freedom. The most famous of these revolutionary icons being Fidel Castro, who led the main resistance against the Cuban government. On January 1, 1959, Fidel Castro and the rest of the Cuban's succeeded. This revolutionary war went on to affect the entire world and Eric Selbin believes it is still affecting it. Throughout Eric Selbin's article, Conjugating the Cuban Revolution, he firmly states that the Cuban revolution is important in the past, present, and future. Selbin, however, is wrong.
Models for post-revolutionary Latin American government are born of the complex economic and social realities of 17th and 18th century Europe. From the momentum of the Enlightenment came major political rebellions of the elite class against entrenched national monarchies and systems of power. Within this time period of elitist revolt and intensive political restructuring, the fundamental basis for both liberal and conservative ideology was driven deep into Latin American soil. However, as neither ideology sought to fulfill or even recognize the needs or rights of mestizo people under government rule, the initial liberal doctrine pervading Latin American nations perpetuated racism and economic exploitation, and paved the way for all-consuming, cultural wars in the centuries to come.
Mignolo, W. D. (2005). The Idea of Latin America (pp. 1-94). Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.
Burns, E. B., & Charlip, J. A. (2007). Latin America: an interpretive history (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Burns, E. B., & Charlip, J. A. (2007). Latin America: an interpretive history (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Peeler, John A. Latin American Democracies. Chapel Hill, NC and London: The University of North Carolina Press, 1985. Print.
Clarke, Philip. “Cuba’s Newest Revolution Bloodless but Plenty Bewildering as New President Breaks Army Grip, Aims at Democracy.” The Washington Post. 22 July. 1945: B3. ProQuest. James Madison University library. 16 September 2003
Galeano, Eduardo. Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent. Translated by Cedric Belfrage. New York: Monthly Review Press, 1997.
Burns, E. B., & Charlip, J. A. (2007). Latin America: an interpretive history (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall.
After his graduation in 1950, Castro continued to practice politics and study law. He decided to become a member of the reformist Cuban People’s Party, called Ortodoxos. The Ortodoxos called for economic independence from the United States, political liberty, social justice, and an end to government corruption. Throughout these years, Castro stayed true to his interests, and political capabilities, and became a candidate for a seat in Cuba’s House of Representatives during the election of June 1952. However, right before the election was held, Fulgencio Batista disbanded the previous government and cancelled the election. This incident is what really pushed Castro into fighting this corrupted government and restoring justice to Cuba. Th...
Cuba has come an exceptional way economically, politically, and culturally since its discovery in 4200 BC. According to a recent MDG Report Card by the Overseas Development Institute, Cuba is among the top twenty performing countries in the world. As a former colony of Spain, Cuba was under their domination for 388 years before gaining independence. One cannot predict the future of the country, but by looking at the history of Cuba from its pre-colonial era to the present, it is clear that it will be written by charismatic Cuban leaders.
Cuba’s economy became stagnant, private businesses were confiscated, and due to fear of their leader and further collapse, the people fled for the United States in waves. As Charlip discussed, to keep the economy afloat, Castro had to open the country to foreign investment and introduce components of capitalism to the economy. These factors enabled Cuba’s economy to stabilize. It is interesting that when socialism failed, capitalism was the solution, particularly because Castro once said, “I find capitalism repugnant. It is filthy, it is gross, it is alienating... because it causes war, hypocrisy and competition.” His frustration with the fall of the Soviet Union and the humiliation he faced with the U.S. for turning to capitalism was
Mignolo, W. D. (2005). The Idea of Latin America (pp. 1-94). Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.
The Cuban revolution was one that transformed Cuba into an independent socialist society. This revolution sent a message around the globe. The message: “ Socialism can be achieved and capitalism, with its culture stripping mechanism’s can be supplemented”. However, the revolution did leave its mark on Cuba. This can be seen in the events that took place during the early stages of the revolution. The effects of the revolution were positive for certain sections of the population and negative for others.
Burns, Bradford E. Latin America: A Concise Interpretive History. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, 2002.