... the majority of which sought refuge in the United States. With the fall of the Soviet Union, Cuba now stands at a crossroads. The battle cry has changed from “ Socialism or death to Resist, struggle and win” (Castro’s Cuba II). Hopefully, Castro and/or Cuba will not be forced into a market-based economy and all the materialistic commodities that go along with capitalism. In my opinion, Castro should hold out for as long as possible griping to the former battle cry “Socialism or death”. Only time will tell what the fate of Castro’s Cuba will be. Trade might once again flourish the economy, tourism might open up new economic opportunities and foreign investments from Italy, France and Spain could possibly dig Cuba out the current economic hole it’s in. Until then however, the battle against capitalism must not lose any of its vigor.
The current government and economic model of Cuba, its world relations, and America’s stance on the country, have all greatly changed since the Cuban Revolution. Changes are still underway and will likely be coming. Although there has been a mix of opinions with the Cuban people on Cuba’s government, and Fidel’s leading, many seem to be happy with Raúl Castro taking charge, even and especially from other countries; America being one.
...tals.Cuba’s exporting dropped substantially due to the global economic downturn. Having low exporting rates called for huge losses in infrastructure and economy. Cuba’s previous investments in human development through past decisions have made for a great workforce. The problem is the economy’s insufficiency hasn’t been able to make good use of the this great work force. Because of Cuba’s commitment to education, health and a stable government, they have the potential for future growth as a country.
The results of colonization can be considered an act of pleasantry for some while not the same for others. In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on an island in the Atlantic Ocean, known today as Cuba. History states that after chief Hatuey a cacique from one of the aboriginal native tribes was burned at the stake in 1912, and the Indian resistance collapsed - colonization of Cuba took full effect and quickly spread throughout the island. Exploitation began and freedom was forbidden to the natives and its people from afar (slaves). Cuba had now become the property of the Spaniards provoking the will to resist, from which revolts were born. A resistance that resulted finally in the ousting of Spanish governance in 1898, the first step to became an independent republic in 1902.
Cuba once stood as a world leading trade post, Latin American military power house and global threat with the assistance of its allies. With its continuously declining economy, lingering violent and complicated history, it slowly became a powerless cordoned off part of the world. The communist government controls nearly all means of production only allowing its people to make an average salary of twenty two dollars per month. Even with its rich culture, beautiful 16th century architecture, rolling hills and Caribbean beaches, it is fled by its people. Seeking opportunity in their developed northern neighbor.
Everyone knows the name Fidel Castro, the revolutionary of Cuba. At the University of Havana in 1945 is where Fidel Castro began his long and treacherous journey as a radical nationalist. (Fidel: The Untold Story). He fought the infamous Flugencio Batista in the name of social justice until victory was won. He claimed to have fought for a democratic Cuba and a restoration of constitutional government and Cuban sovereignty, but he also stood for socialism and communist ideals. As Tim Padgett from Times Magazine on page 42 stated “Fidel imported old-world Marxism and its perverse notion that social justice is best delivered via the injustice of autocracy.” He supported everything the US and pro-democracy states despised and stood as a revolutionary
Cuba is a haven to its residents. The proper name of Cuba is Republic of Cuba with Havana as its capital; a large Caribbean island nation under communist rule is the largest of all islands in the Caribbean. The country also includes more than 4,000 other much smaller islands and cays. On October 27, 1492 Christopher Columbus sighted Cuba and by 1514, Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar had conquered the island for the Spanish crest. The country was given its independence in 1902. I will discuss about Republic of Cuba and its beauty. This paper is conducted by its history, traditions, clothing, music, food, and some enjoyable facts.
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 today demonstrates itself as a mostly thriving nation. It is a nation in which all citizens are receive c...
The era of Spanish colonial rule in Cuba can be characterized by many institutions, such as slavery and the plantation system, which presupposed a notion of ra...
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
She also quotes Manuel Rionda, a planter who wrote: "So the Cubans, the real Cubans, do not own much." It’s an unpleasant thought that after so much blood shed and so many patriots that gave their lives to free themselves from an authoritarian and also dictatorial government (Spanish rule), they must continue to work and sacrifice for a government disguised as democratic and almost perfect. When they are truly parasites that only mean to deindustrialize Cuba and are as authoritarian as the rest.
Cuba: What Everyone Needs to Know®, Second Edition by Julia E. Sweig (Apr 26, 2013)
It is clear that there is a serious issue regarding poverty in Cuba that directly results from the forty year old sanctions. It would benefit both countries to lift the sanctions in terms of trade, immigration and development. The sanctions have so far proven unsuccessful, and are just hindering the Cuban economy. Despite all of these points, it seems doubtful that the doors to Cuba shall be unlocked, and that the poverty and suffering could continue forever until we get another FDR-like president who has enough sense to change something.
Cuba has got a history of revolutions and coups. In the current scenario it’s one of the world’s remaining socialist states with Communist governments. Despite excess pressure and embargos from the US government Cuba, the sugar bowl of the world has export ranking of 114 out of 226 world countries and import ranking of 87. Cuba’s major exports are sugar, nickel, tobacco, fish, medical products, citrus, coffee and imports includes products like food, fuel, clothing and machinery. Most of the means of the production are owned and managed by the government and majority of the labor is employed by the state. If any firm wishes to employ Cubans, it has to pay money to the Cuban government which in turn will pay the employees in pesos. With these facts and system in place, Cuban business environment and set up provides a unique opportunity for study.