Cuba & The Revolution

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  Why was Cuba seen as a “crown jewel” of the Spanish empire in the Americas?

Cuba is seen as the "crown jewel" of the Spanish empire in the United States because Cuba    seems to always beat the odds. When Colombus first came to the Island in 1492, it was important economically and politically in the colonies

What led the United States to intervene in Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain? How might the U.S. government have acted differently?
Between 1895 and 1898 Cuba and the Philippine Islands revolted against Spain. Once the Cuban cause increased in popularity and activism across the United States, Grover Cleveland, U.S. President at the time, pressed for a settlement but Spain sent General Valeriano, Weyler to pacify Cuba. 

Assess the U.S. role in Cuban politics from the 1930s through the 1950s. What were the most significant changes, and what were the underlying continuities?
To what extent did the Cuban Revolution emerge from social and political conditions on the island—and to what extent was it a singular creation of Fidel Castro?
When Fidel Castro returned to Cuba, he had a vital role in the Cuban Revolution by leading the Movement in a guerrilla war against Batista's forces from the Sierra Maestra. After Batista was overthrown in 1959, Castro took military and political power and was named Cuba's prime minister. 

What was the original rationale for the U.S. economic embargo of Cuba, and what explains its continuation to the present day?
The U.S. Embargo Against Cuba is a group of various sanctions imposed on Cuba by the U.S. and they have been active since 1960. These travel restrictions are enforced to this day.

What are the principal achievements of the Cuban Revolution, and what are its most significant failures? Would Cuba be better off today if there had never been a revolution?
Achievements: July 26th was a great moment of victory (Overthrow Batista's government), improvements on racial integration, gender equality, communications, healthcare, housing, and education
Failures: Restricted expression, unfair working conditions, limited access to information and an increased in artistic censorship

Sources: 
https://insightcuba.com/faq/trade-embargo-cuba
https://share.america.gov/5-ways-cuban-revolution-has-failed-people-cuba/ 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consolidation_of_the_Cuban_Revolution 



RESPONSE TO AUSTIN'S BLOG POST (COMMENTING ENABLED): The question of what it takes to create a person as strongly-willed as Castro is intriguing. Castro's unwavering determination and ideological fervor, evident even in his final days, suggest a unique blend of charisma, nationalism, and a relentless pursuit of one's vision. The portrayal of Castro as a figure with the drive to make things happen, regardless of consequences, raises thought-provoking questions about leadership qualities and the impact of such forceful personalities on historical events.

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