The History of Cuba

by Staten, Clifford L.

• ISBN13: 9781403962591
• ISBN10: 1403962596
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-09-01
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Summary

Cuba is much more than cigars, classic automobiles, and Castro. This remarkable nation has had a long history of relations with larger political powers that were drawn to the island because of its valuable resources and strategic location. Ties between Cuba and the United States have been strong since the mid-nineteenth century, and the theme of U.S. dominance over the island and its people is a primary historical perspective. Cuba's history is told in eight chronological chapters, from its earliest days as a Spanish colony, through its wars for independence and the U.S. occupation in the twentieth century to Batista, the Cold War, and the so-called "Special Period," when Cuba faced the crisis of the downfall of the Soviet Union. With special emphasis on the twentieth century, the Castro era, and U.S.-Cuba relations, this is the most accessible and current history of Cuba available.

Author Biography

Clifford L. Staten is professor of political science at Indiana University. He is a noted authority on Cuba, and has written many journal and magazine articles on Cuban history, culture, and politics as well as contributing to travel guides.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	vii
Timeline of Historical Events	ix
Cuba and Its People	1	(10)
Early Cuba: Colonialism, Sugar and Nationalism: Cuba to 1868	11	(20)
The Wars for Independence and U.S. Occupation: 1868 to 1902	31	(14)
U.S. Dominance, the Failure of Reform and the Rise of Batista: 1902 to 1952	45	(26)
The Fall of Batista: 1952 to 1959	71	(18)
Revolution and Cold War: 1959 to 1970	89	(18)
Economic Change, Institutionalization and Cold War: 1970 to the End of the Cold War	107	(18)
Post-Cold War Cuba and the Future	125	(16)
Notable People in the History of Cuba	141	(6)
Bibliographic Essay	147	(6)
Index	153