Background
- The Cuban Revolution (1959) brought Fidel Castro to power after overthrowing U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista.
- Castro’s early goals were economic independence, social reform, and national sovereignty after decades of U.S. dominance in Cuban affairs.
- Relations with the United States quickly deteriorated when Castro nationalized U.S.-owned businesses and allied with the Soviet Union.
- Cuba’s policies were shaped by Cold War dynamics: resisting U.S. influence while promoting socialist ideals across Latin America and Africa.
Definition
Nationalization
- When a government takes control of private industries or property, usually to strengthen national sovereignty.
Domestic Policies and Their Implementation
- Economic Policies
- The government implemented agrarian reform (1959), redistributing land to peasants and cooperatives.
- Cuba developed a centrally planned economy, relying heavily on sugar exports to the Soviet Union for aid and trade.
- The U.S. embargo (1960) isolated Cuba economically, making it dependent on Soviet support.
- Economic successes included free healthcare and education, but shortages and inefficiencies led to hardship.
- Social Policies
- The regime prioritized universal education and literacy campaigns, reducing illiteracy from around 20% to less than 5% by 1961.
- Health services were nationalized, creating one of the most comprehensive systems in Latin America.
- However, political repression, limited free speech, and the absence of democratic elections defined the system.
Definition
Planned Economy
- An economic system controlled by the government, which determines production and distribution of goods.
