Mafia Influence On Cuban Culture

1016 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Regimes in cuba

For my research paper I am examining, “how large of an influence did the Mafia have in Cuba and how did their presence affect Cuban-American relations and pre-existing Cuban Culture?” Ever since I was young I was highly interested in organized crime and the mysteries behind the way that society operated. Interestingly and also not so fortunately the organized crime network hits my family at a personal level. My father grew up in Brooklyn, and while his direct lineage including himself was straight and clean, some of his uncles took a more crooked path in life. More specifically, my extended family had some tight affiliations to Sammy “The Bull” Gravano. Before I digress, these real life and personal stories on top of my aforementioned interest …show more content…

In regards to U.S. relations with Cuba after Mafia influence, I found myself to be partially correct. Finally, in regards to how the Mafia impacted Cuban culture, I found myself to be partially correct once more. The Mafia controlled the island of Cuba quite literally, as President Batista’s assets were being handled by Mafia boss Meyer Lansky. President Batista as a result had no problem altering laws to accommodate their needs when a Mafia boss wanted an easier route to develop a new project on the Island. The Mafia also constructed many of Cuba’s roads and public buildings as a show of gratitude to Batista for their safehaven, and a show of power and control over the island. Drugs were trafficked easily in and out of Cuba, in Havana as a hub for cocaine exports. Until Fidel Castro came around in 1959, the Mafia were the true leaders of the …show more content…

The Mafia did help U.S. relations with Cuba as they kept Batista happy who was himself backed by the U.S. government; however, when enough was enough the U.S. would step in and threaten a freeze of trade or sanctions until things went their way. Overall, the Mafia presence could have been considered to slightly elevate U.S. and Cuban relations. However, nce Cuba fell into the hands of Fidel Castro, relations in Cuba were drastically changed for the worse. The Mafia were expelled from the island themselves, and for many years into Fidel’s reign worked with the United States government in operations to try and restore Cuba to its partial-Mafia, partial-U.S. puppet state mentality. In regards to Mafia influence on Cuban culture, it was not as large as I expected. During their tenure Cuban culture absolutely shifted towards American standards as the country could have almost been considered a resort for the rich. However, once the Mafia left, Castro implemented policies to return Cuba to the people and did away with all of the fashion and glamour the Mafia and Casinos brought. The only portions that remained were seen in music and dance, as new forms were created and were implemented into everyday Cuban

Show More
Related

  • The Culture Of Cuba

    1362 Words  | 3 Pages

    Whether it 's for the music, people or food, Cuba is a popular and interesting place to visit. Cuba is located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. At 42,426 square miles, Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and the 105th largest country in the world. Cuba has a population of 11.1 million. Out of that 11.1 million, Havana is home to 2.1 million (Nation Facts). The official language of Cuba is Spanish, but English and French are spoken throughout the country. The most practiced religion of Cuba is Roman Catholicism, but a large number of people follow the Afro-Cuban and Protestant religions. The president of Cuba is currently Raúl Castro, which is Fidel Castro 's brother. The currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso (Cuba).

    Read More

  • Americans and Cubans Approaches to the Platt Amendment

    1533 Words  | 4 Pages

    Along with the above mention things, the U.S. disrupted trade with Europe and outright requested that Europe not trade with Cuba. Also during this period, the CIA began to plan assassination operations against Cuban Leaders, and have eight separate plots to assassination Castro (Perez 252).

    Read More

  • Cubans' Racist Attitudes Towards Blacks

    729 Words  | 2 Pages

    Racism played different roles before, and throughout the the Spanish American War when Cuba finally became an independent state. Theories argue that there was very little racism in Cuba, that racism was brought by the Americans; Aline Helg begged to differ in her book, Our Rightful Share, and so will the following argument.

    Read More

  • How Is Henry Hill A Gangster

    1211 Words  | 3 Pages

    The gangsters we know and love today are much different from what they were 40 years ago. From the way they talked, dressed, and went about their business, the idea of a gangster has changed a lot. But they have one thing in common and this is the fact that they both had and have a huge impact on our society. One gangster in particular, Henry Hill, contributed to a huge turning point in the methods of American criminals. Henry Hill’s accomplishments as a mobster and an FBI informant helped change the ways of organized crime and how the government tried to stop them.

    Read More

  • Should the United States Lift the Embargo on Cuba?

    1425 Words  | 3 Pages

    The United States embargo of Cuba has its roots planted in 1960, 53 years ago, when “the United States Congress authorized President Eisenhower to cut off the yearly quota of sugar to be imported from Cuba under the Sugar act of 1948… by 95 percent” (Hass 1998, 37). This was done in response to a growing number of anti-American developments during the height of the cold war, including the “expropriation of United States-owned properties on the island… [and] the Soviet Union [agreeing] to purchase sugar from Cuba and to supply Cuba with crude oil” (Hass 1998, 37). Bad sentiments continued to pile up as Cuba imposed restrictions on the United States Embassy and especially when, after the United States “officially broke off diplomatic ties with Cuba, and travel by United States citizens to Cuba was forbidden ... Castro openly proclaimed his revolution to be ‘socialist’” (Hass 1998, 38). The day after this, the Bay of Pigs invasion occurred, but it failed in its job to topple Castro (Hass 1998, 38). Left with no diplomatic options and a failed military attempt, the United States decided that the only way to end Castro’s socialist regime was to sever all ties, and from 1961 to 1996, a series of acts were passed prohibiting the majority of trade and interaction with Cuba. (Hass 1998, 38).

    Read More

  • Afro-Cuban Music

    632 Words  | 2 Pages

    Dance is just as important and music in Afro-Cuban Culture. The music is made to be danced to, and most of the popular Cuban dances that exist today are of African decent. The most popular are the rumba, danzon, and son. Especially among the working class poor, dancing and music was simply a way to blow off steam and have a good time.

    Read More

  • History of the Cuban Revolution

    1903 Words  | 4 Pages

    In cuban history there was many dictatorships. But, Fulgencio Batista lead to rise of communism in Cuba and Fidel Castro. Foreign involvement from United States to control Cuba as economical ally, also Bastia treatment mistreatment towards foreigners from Haitian and Jamaican. The Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro use of guerrilla warfare and the peasant population of Cuba lead to successful revolution. The United States felt threatened about Cuban being 90 miles from florida spifly during Cuban Missile Crisis . So, many United states presidents tried to kicked Fidel Castro but failed multiple times.First, even though Fulgencio Batista starred in beginning as leader that benefited Cuban people, over time he became corrupted leader that lead to his downfall.

    Read More

  • The Cuban Revolution

    974 Words  | 2 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • Fidel Castro And The Cuban Revolution

    2000 Words  | 4 Pages

    Before the Cuban Revolution, the U.S. military ruled Cuba when the island became a republic. Throughout the 1800’s, Cubans were revolting against Spanish rule, and in 1898, America helped defeat the Spanish. Since the United States and Cuba were so close, the U.S often intervened with Cuba’s domestic affairs. In 1959, Fidel Castro influenced a revolution, overthrowing Batista. Fidel Castro then switched Cuba’s government to communism and became close with the Soviet Union, which restricted ties with the U.S. Soon after, the United States terminated diplomatic interactions, minimizing their economic relations with Cuba. After the Cuban Revolution, Raúl Castro Ruz became the new leader of Cuba- and still is today. Relations between the U.S. and Cuba are still sparse. Travelers from the United States are still not allowed to vacation to Cuba du...

    Read More

  • The Sicilian Mafia in America

    1101 Words  | 3 Pages

    During 1869-2014 the Sicilian mafia in America evolved in a number of ways such as: the change in rules, leaders, how it is run, the change in code and power over American society. These topics will be covered throughout this essay and will give you a detailed explanation of the history of the evolution that took place. The Sicilian Mafia started in poor Sicilian ghettos in America and spread into the cities, striking fear into the American society. With around 2,500 members, it is seen as the most powerful and the most active Italian organized criminal group in the United States of America. The Sicilian mafia is more commonly known as La Cosa Nostra.

    Read More

  • The Mafia

    1432 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Mafia is a secret criminal organization that has great economic and political control over large parts of Sicilian society and operates both criminal and legitimate enterprises in the United States. It is believed to have started during Sicily's late Middle Ages, beginning as separate bonds of strong-arm enforcers hired by local landowners. It eventually evolved into a network of independent groups governing in rural areas. With the Sicilian immigration of the late 19th century, the Mafia began to operate in several large United States cities. During the period of Prohibition it monopolized the trade in bootleg liquor and controlled loan sharking, gambling, and prostitution. Competing Mafia families established mutually recognized territories, reaching agreement by negotiation or by intimidation. By the mid-1930 the Mafia had taken on the institutionalized structure that is now typical of organized crime in the United States.

    Read More

  • Cuba History Of Cuba

    1198 Words  | 3 Pages

    This paper entails of Cuba’s history, traditions, clothing, music, food, and some amusing facts. Republic of Cuba was given independence in 1902. Music is energetic with an assortment of Rumba, Son, Danzón, and a variety of a music blend. Cuban cuisine is also notable for its fried goods, which I am not in favor for. Cuba has different traditions they follow and holidays that take an important part in Cubans’ lives. Cuba has gone through a current leader conversion and is more robust than ever. Cuba is a haven to its citizens; that they absorb all Cuba’s many

    Read More

  • The Cuban Revolution

    850 Words  | 2 Pages

    A revolution is no piece of cake. To make a revolution, there are a few necessary ingredients, like a reason to revolt, a well organized battle plan, and a powerful leader. Mix these all together, and there it is. A powerful Revolution. There are two specific revolutions that were very similar, and very successful. The american revolution was about the Colonists from Britain being treated unfairly from British Parliament. America was still under Britain Rule, and King George III was raising the taxes for the people for no reason. The colonists had no choice but revolt. The Cuban revolution was for a very similar cause. Ruler of cuba Fulgencio Batista was destroying Cuba’s economy, and the people were very angered by this. The organization was also very similar. And both countries got what they wanted, too. America got freedom from Britain, and Fidel Castro and his team overthrew Batista and took over the government. These two revolutions were both very effective.The Cuban Revolution and the American Revolution were both for the good of the people, and both revolts got what they wanted-a new, better government.

    Read More

  • Impacts of the Mafia

    745 Words  | 2 Pages

    Peter Maas declares organized crime the “biggest business in the country” (Maas). “The largest and best known organized crime group is the nationwide organization variously known as the ‘syndicate’, the ‘mob’, the ‘Mafia’, and the ‘Cosa Nostra’” (Nash, Jason O-155). Some activities of the Mafia include gambling, loan sharking, pornography, illicit drugs, and racketeering. The Mafia began in Sicily, but did not retain to just that one location. In fact, in the late nineteenth century many of the Sicilian members immigrated to the United States (Nash O-155). The Mafia in the United States contains members that are Americans with Sicilian ancestry (“Mafia” M-48). There are several Mafia groups in the United States. Law enforcement authorities agree that there are around twenty-five groups that operate in large cities across the nation (Nash O-155).

    Read More

  • Describe the Causes and Discuss the Effects of the Cuban Revolution.

    973 Words  | 2 Pages

    However, the US played a much larger role in Cuba’s past and present than the building of casinos and the introduction of the first taints of corruption. In the past, even before Batista, Americans were resented by Cubans because the Americans made a lot of Cuba’s decisions. Under Batista, 80% of Cuban imports came from the US, and the US controlled at least 50% of sugar, utilities, phones and railroads. If Cuba was a business in the stock markets, then the US would have been close to owning 50% of its shares. When combined with a long history of US-backed leaders, and US involvement, it is understandable that Cubans begrudged the Americans....

    Read More

More about Mafia Influence On Cuban Culture

Open Document