Cuba vs.

The
United States
The Past and
Present
CHASE HODGES AND MIKE ALMACK

Castro Breaks Ties with US, Joins

Soviet Union

In 1952, Cuba resigned in the Military Pact with the U.S and
established better relations with the Soviet Union, the other
powerhouse.

Castro set up Soviet Style collective farms much like Josef Stalin.

Cuba Breaks ties with US, Joins

Soviets

Because the US did not believe in Communism, the US cut ties with
Cuba on January 3rd, 1961.

Cuba established relations with the Soviet Union.

US formed the Embargo and Cuba has since been far behind in
technology.

Bay of Pigs Disaster

Given the ok by John F. Kennedy, Cuban exiles invaded Cuba.

Kennedy refused to give air support.

Bay of Pigs Disaster

Bay of Pigs started April 17th, 1961.

They did not receive Cuban support.

They were easily repulsed by Cuban military.

Soviet Missile Crisis

When the Soviets set up missiles in 1962, it started a crisis.

Kennedy promised a blockade to stop Missiles.

Khrushchev said he would dismantle missiles only if US promises not

to attack Cuba.

Soviet Missile Crisis

Castro opened up a port to allow 125,000 people to flee to Miami.

The group of 125,000 consisted of prisoners, mental pacients,

homosexuals, and other individuals unwanted by the Cuban
government.

In Poor Health Castro Announces

Retirement

After intestinal surgery, 81 year old Fidel Castro announces that he

will finish his 49 years of ruling due to illness.

In Poor Health Castro Announces

Retirement

Both Raul and Fidel Castro were elected into the National Assembly.

Raul Castro was the next ruler making him the 21st president of
Cuba.

Cubans Begin to Win Small

Freedoms

Perez Roque signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political

Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and
Cultural Rights

The Covenants give Cubans the right to work, fair wages, social
security, education, and high standards of physical and mental
health.

Cubans Begin to Win Small

Freedom

Due to poor food production, the government gave people the

right of land restrictions.

Cuba backs away from collective farming due to dependence on

food imports.

Possible Leader not Named Castro

On April 19th, 2011 Ramon Machado was appointed the second

highest position in Communist Party.

First time in 50 years they have a leader not named Castro

Possible Leader not Named Castro

Machado made buying and selling cars legal.

Allowed people to go into business for themselves (Accounting and

Food Vendors)

Opens real estate market but limits Cubans to one house in city and
1 house in the Country.

Pope makes Long-Waited Visit

Pope Benedict XVI visited Cuba

Pushed ideas about Cubas future freedom

200,000 people showed up to the Mass in Santiago de Cuba.

Pope makes Long-Waited Visit

One person was kicked out by security by saying negative

comments about the Cuban government.

Many people admitted to be pressured into coming by their

employers of the Communist Party.

Exit Visa Requirement is Dropped

This meant that Cubans were no longer required an Exit Visa when
leaving the country.

This was promised by Raul Castro because he wanted change in

Cubans.

Exit Visa Requirement is Dropped

This allowed Cubans freedom to leave Cuba for vacation or forever.

Gave Cubans a two year period of leaving Cuba until all benefits
are lost.

However, Cubans are able to be stopped for Defense and National

Security reasons.

Cuba Resumes Diplomatic

Relations with US

Alan Gross was sentenced to 15 years in prison for trying to

communicate outside of Cubas borders.

The release of Alan was a secret agreement between Obama and

Cuba for 18 months.

Cuba Resumes Diplomatic

Relations with US

Pope Francis held meetings at the Vatican to help with relations.

How do you think relations

between the US and Cuba are
changing? Is this good or bad?

I think they are changing in a good way because the pulled

embargo is going to help Cuba become modernized and it will help
the US by making a lot of money on exports. A lot of cars in Cuba
were from the 1950s but since the embargo has been pulled, we
should see Cuba with more up to date vehicles and products like
Coca-Cola.