11 Questions
Who claimed Cuba for the Kingdom of Spain in 1492?
Christopher Columbus
What rebellion marked the beginning of the Ten Years' War in Cuba?
Rebellion led by Carlos Manuel de Cespedes
Which war brought conflict between Spain and Britain, leading to a British expedition to capture Cuba?
Seven Years' War
When did Cuba become a Spanish settlement?
1511
After which event did Cuba become a protectorate of the United States before gaining formal independence?
Spanish-American War and Treaty of Paris in 1898
Which indigenous tribes inhabited Cuba before the arrival of the Spanish?
Taino, Arawak, Guana Watabe, and Sebone people
What were some of the key factors that characterized Cuba during the mid-20th century?
Political unrest, economic problems, and repression
Who were the prominent figures in Cuba during the mid-20th century?
Gerardo Machado and Fulgencio Batista
What group emerged as a revolutionary force in the late 1950s in Cuba?
Fidel Castro and his July 26 Movement
How did the relationship between the US and Cuba evolve during this period?
It worsened, leading to sanctions and a total ban on trade
What economic challenges did Cuba face following the withdrawal of Soviet subsidies?
Cuba faced economic challenges
Study Notes
- Cuba is a country located in the northern Caribbean, known as the Pearl of the Antilles.
- Before the arrival of the Spanish, Cuba was inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Taino, Arawak, Guana Watabe, and Sebone people.
- Christopher Columbus claimed Cuba for the Kingdom of Spain in 1492 and named it Isla Juana.
- The indigenous people suffered greatly under the Spanish colonial rule and were virtually wiped out due to diseases and harsh conditions.
- Cuba became a Spanish settlement in 1511, and the encomienda system was introduced, forcing the native people to work under harsh conditions.
- The Seven Years' War in the mid-18th century brought conflict between Spain and Britain, leading to a British expedition to capture Cuba. Cuba became a British colony briefly before being returned to Spain.
- The British importation of goods and slaves from West Africa transformed Cuban society, particularly in the sugar plantations.
- In 1868, a rebellion led by Carlos Manuel de Cespedes aimed for full independence from Spain, marking the beginning of the Ten Years' War.
- After the Spanish-American War and the Treaty of Paris in 1898, Cuba became a protectorate of the United States but gained formal independence in 1902.
- The United States retained certain rights over Cuba's affairs and supervised its finances and foreign relations.
- Political unrest, economic problems, and repression characterized Cuba during the mid-20th century, with figures like Gerardo Machado and Fulgencio Batista ruling the country.
- Fidel Castro and his July 26 Movement emerged as a revolutionary group in the late 1950s, leading to the overthrow of Batista's government.
- The relationship between the US and Cuba worsened, leading to sanctions and a total ban on trade between the countries.
- Cuba adopted a communist system, aligned with the USSR, and faced economic challenges following the withdrawal of Soviet subsidies in the 1990s.
- Fidel Castro resigned as president in 2008, and his brother Raul Castro took over. Raul promised some relaxation of restrictions on freedom in Cuba.
- Cuba has been politically and economically isolated by the United States but has gradually gained access to foreign commerce and travel as efforts to normalize diplomatic relations have progressed.
Test your knowledge on the history of Cuba, from the indigenous tribes to Spanish colonial rule, independence movements, and modern-day political and economic challenges.
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