The Rise and Fall of Communism in Cuba

Rise of Communism in Cuba
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Cuba stood under strong influence from the United States: USA helped achieve Cuban independence from the Spanish in 1898. Independent but stability sometimes achieved with American troops. Claims that USA controlled Cuban economy: USA held controlling stake in all Cuban industries Owned: Half of the land 3/5 of the railway system The electricity production The telephone system USA was Cuba’s main market Þ Domination did not result in efficient country; therefore resentment in Cuba. Cuba’s economy: Prosperous Too dependent on sugar Wealth unevenly distributed Unemployment: 8% in the five month of sugar harvest 30% rest of year Trade unions inactive; dominated by all year employed Havana, rich and full of corrupt government officials was strong contrast to Þ High social tensions There was no reliable democratic system in Cuba. Fulgencio Batista seized power illegally in 1952 and ruled as dictator. Did not introduce reforms; his regime was corrupt and brutal. Batista had been at the forefront of politics since 1933 No peaceful revolution seemed possible: Middle-Class Fidel Castro, a trained lawyer, was leading exponent of this view. Before he came to power he was more of an liberal nationalist than a communist Wanted to end corruption and Batista regime Prepared to introduce limited land reforms for every peasant to receive land. Unsuccessful coup attempt in 1953 — ended with two years of prison Switch to guerrilla tactics: Campaign of guerrilla warfare and sabotage in the cities Popular with population due to the implementation of Castro’s land reforms. Þ Success: Rebels soon controlled mountain areas to the north and east. Brutal reaction of Batista: Played into Castro’s hands: Popularised the struggle Even the middle-class saw Castro as an alternative to brutal Batista. Morale of Batista’s army crumbled after an unsuccessful attempt made against Castro’s forces in the summer of 1958. The USA, embarrassed, withdrew all arms supplies. Che Guevara, an Argentinean supporter of Castro, gained control of the island’s main road. Prepared to move to Santa Clara Þ Fulgencio Batista fled from Cuba on January 1st, 1959; a new, liberal government was set up under Fidel Castro. Cuban relations with the USA: No quick deterioration of the American-Cuban relations. Castro was thought to be a social democrat, not a nationalist. He outraged the USA by nationalising American-owned estates and factories. President Eisenhower reacted by threatening to stop importing Cubas goods. Forced Cuba to sign a trade agreement with Russia. July 1960: USA stopped import of Cuban goods USSR promised to buy Cuban sugar Cuba confiscated all remaining American property Relations between USA and Cuba worsened, but USSR relations with Cuba improved. USA broke off diplomatic relations with the two countries. Russia, at that point in time, was already supplying economic aid to Cuba The USA, President J.F. Kennedy even approved a plan to invade Cuba: The ‘Bay of Pigs’ happened on April 1961 Proposed by Batista supporters. To be executed from American bases in Guatemala. The CIA was deeply involved. Badly planned and excecuted Þ Castro’s forces and its 2 planes therefore easily crushed it. Missile Crisis (1962): Brought the already torn world to the brink of nuclear war In the summer the USSR supplied arms to Cuba, who directed them at the USA. On October 22nd Kennedy announced that U-2 spy planes had detected Russian missile bases were being built in Cuba. He alerted the army & blockaded Cuba to stop further arms Demanded the missiles to be taken down again (ultimatum) Khrushchev agreed to removed offending missiles in return for Kennedy’s promise not to invade Cuba Cuba was expelled from the OAS (Organisation of American States) by suspicious Latin American states. This made the Cuba even more dependent on Russia. Þ The cold war relaxed but American-Cuban relations stayed cool. Castro’s greatest problem specific to Cuba How would the other American states react to a new socialist threat at their doorstep? Cuba’s economy was far too reliant on sugar and the price fluctuations of the world sugar market. The administration and the government was riddled with corruption There was serious unemployment and poverty Ernsto ‘Che’ Guevara: Ernsto ‘Che’ Guevara, who had played an important role in the revolution, took a position in Castro’s government. He wrote a book on the guerrilla warfare, which had big impact on Latin America. By 1965 he became frustrated with government. Left Cuba to organise revolutions. And was killed by Bolivian troops 1967. The new government however was enthusiastic and dedicated: During his first ten years Castro totally reformed Cuba: Collective farms were introduced. Factories and businesses were nationalised Attempts were made to modernise sugar production and increase output New industries were introduced to relieve heavy reliance on sugar. Social reforms Included attempts to improve: Education Housing Health Medical facilities Communication Achieved equality for Negro’s and more rights for women Opened touring cinemas, theatres, concerts and art expeditions Castro kept on touring the country, giving speeches urging for greater efforts. Governments success: Especially in sphere of social reforms: All children were getting some sort of education (only 50% before 1959) Sanitation and hygiene improved. Greater sense of equality and stability that ever before Þ After the first decade the government seemed to be popular with the vast majority of people. Governments failures: The inability to diversify the industries and the agricultural output was the most serious failure. This made Cuba more dependent: 1970’s the harvest fell, worsened by a fungus infections (1980’s) This plunged the country into a economic crisis: Unemployment rose Increased immigration to the USA Food was rationed Economy heavily subsidised by USSR Þ After a promising start the progress was faltering.

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