Cuban Revolution Research Paper

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Most nations have gone through at least one revolution. A revolution is a period of change in a nations government and leadership, most of the time it is a country trying to get its independence from another or overthrowing the government usually a dictatorship. Cuba is no different, ever since it was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and colonized by the Spanish in the 1500’s it has never had 100 percent independence. The country of Cuba and its people have endured many struggles but they have not come very far. Some people may think Cuba is just a small island and its not important but they are wrong. There was a build up to the revolution that paved the way for Fidel Castro. The revolution was a success but only to an extent. For starters, Cuba’s geographical layout is perfect in terms of harbors, for example Havana harbor is located in its capital. The harbor has a narrow inlet and any ships can be seen from miles away. Cuba is a very fertile land perfect for cash crops such as sugar and tobacco. For a little background information, Native Americans first inhabited Cuba before Christopher Columbus claimed it for Spain in 1492. In the 1500’s it was then colonized by Spain. Cuba was Spain’s stepping stone to the new world. It wasn’t long before it became a key trade route. It was used as a stop for any Spanish ships passing through carrying gold, silver, and other valuables. Around 1520 slaves began being shipped there from Africa and as a result, at one time Cuba was the worlds lead supplier of sugar. “Slavery in Cuba on the whole was a rural phenomenon. Nevertheless, the average sugar mill in the Havana area relied on twenty to thirty slaves.” (Garcia). French, English, and Dutch sea marauders recognized its strategic advantage early when they attacked the city during the 16th century. It wasn’t until 1762 that Havana was actually captured by British
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