The Cuban Revolution was the outcome of years of oppression and affected Latin America and US-Latin American relations greatly. For hundreds of years the Spanish had
control of Cuba, but tensions between the Spanish and Americans kept increasing. In the 19th century, Cuba's economy grew strong and many Cuban nationalists asked Spain for political autonomy. However, the Spanish government refused which eventually lead to the
ten years war. Around this time, the United States was expanding their influence in the Caribbean and attempted to purchase Cuba. As US investment increased in Cuba, it greatly
strengthened US-Cuban economic ties and increased American involvement in the nation's foreign trade and economic policies. Soon, the war between Spanish and Cuban nationalists started and following a bombing on a US naval ship, the United States responded by entering the war. Officially declaring war on Spain in April 1898, the United States involved themselves completely in the Spanish-American war. After months of battle, Spain officially surrendered in August and agreed to grant independence to Cuba. Although the island had gained independence, the United States military remained on the island and appointed a governor, General L. Woods to hold the Cuban civilian elections to ensure that a democratic process for office was carried out (Britannica).
While the United States military governed Cuba till 1902, many Cubans were elected into positions of power in the island and there was a period of economic stability in the nation. During this time, the Platt Amendment was incorporated in the Cuban constitution
which essentially allowed the United States to monitor Cuban foreign relations and economy. This amendment was also important for the Americans because it established a port, Guantanamo Bay, for the American navy. This military base was important for the United States to increase its influence in Cuba and provided a means for the American military to interfere in future Cuban conflicts to preserve Cuban independence and the new government. This port served as a key method of interference during the 1906 election
where Cuban leader Tomas Estrada attempted to influence the elections. To stabilize Cuba once again, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed William Taft as the governor of Cuba until the 1909 election. In the early 1900s, Cuba experienced economic growth as a result of the tourism industry and sugar plantations, however the government faced heavy corruption. This led to Cuba having one of the highest per-capita rates in Latin America, but
at the same time it also had among the highest percentage experiencing poverty. As social
conditions worsened due to corruption and conflicts with nations instilled fear within the tourism industry, Cubans lost support for their leader Fulgencio Batista, enabling another prominent Cuban to rise up his way (Britannica).
Gaining the support of Cubans, Fidel Castro led 160 men in a raid on the Santiago army barracks on July 26, 1953. Although it was an unsuccessful attempt, the uprising inspired several Cubans to start thinking about a revolutionary movement to gain
independence from corruption and foreign rule. After a few years, Castro and his brother were released from prison and went to Mexico, so they could organize a group of Cuban exiles to support them in another revolution attempt.
In December 1956 a group of 81 men, including Castro landed in Eastern Cuba.
Although most of the group was killed or captured, a dozen men were able to make it to the mountains where they set up camp and planned strategic revolutionary movements from there. This small group conducted several guerilla warfare attacks against Batista. During this time, Cuba was experiencing opposition from other groups such as the Revolutionary Directorate and Trade unionists. Composed mainly of students and labor leaders, these two
groups led several attacks and caused havoc in Santiago de Cuba and central Cuba.
In response to all the uprisings, Batista used his dictatorial power to suspend freedoms of assembly and expression and made the protests illegal. Attempting to prevent further protests and revolutionary movements, Batista also declared that a presidential election would take place in 1958. Although these actions were meant to mitigate the effects of the Cuban revolution, the warfare continued into 1958 and there were several bombings and rebel activity that disrupted the tourism industries and sugar plantation industry, leading the Cuban economy to suffer. Using the continued revolutionary violence as an
excuse, Batista postponed the Presidential election he had promised. In response several groups attempted to conduct strikes, but they were not successful in having any impact on the revolution. Batista launched a military attack on Castro's army, but the Cuban army was
defeated and eventually retreated. Following their victory, Castro started actively speaking
out against Cuban politicians and kidnapped US citizens from Guantanamo Bay naval base, eventually releasing them once the United States government got involved. Realizing that Castro would take over the Cuban government Batista resigned, handed over power to General Eulogio Cantillo, and fled Cuba to Portugal (Navia).
On January 3rd, Castro's army led by Che Guevara took over Santa Clara. Eventually,
Castro proclaimed victory of the revolution from Santiago de Cuba city hall and then arrived in Havana to create an established government with himself as Prime Minister and Manuel Urrutia Lleó as president. Castro attempted to bring Cuba out of turmoil, but was unable to
without turning to expropriation, forced lending, and increased taxation. He created programs to spread literacy and established a healthcare system for many Cubans. Castro’s policies further worsened Cuba’s export economy rose the unemployment rate and decreased private investment.
As small uprisings began against Castro, it was evident Cuba had to form political and trade ties with nations. As a result, Castro formed diplomatic ties with the USSR and shifted
towards communist policies. However, in becoming a communist state, the island faced US aggression which would change Cuban-American relations for years to come. The United
States had several investments in Cuba and supported other leaders but as Castro rose to power, he began to nationalize many American assets in Cuba. By the end of 1960, America placed several trade embargos on Cuba and economic activity between the nations had ended. Following the Cuban Revolution, United States and Cuba had ceased political relationships and had several trade restrictions between them. This spoiled relationship led
to further complications between the two nations later on including the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Overall, the Cuban revolution had a significant influence on other countries in Latin America. Following the revolution, other Latin American countries looked at Cuba as a
symbol of resistance. Their uprising gave hope and strength to other Latin American nations to also seek independence. Castro’s actions served as the guiding light for many other
nations who experienced severe inequality due to imperial rule and many governments attempted to model similar revolutionary structures to create peace in their nation. The
Cuban Revolution greatly empowered other Latin American nations such as Brazil, Uruguay, Nicaragua, and El Salvador to resist military dictatorships and rebel against US-backed regimes (Hennigan). As a result of the revolution, Cuban-American relationships were severely damaged and also affected the trade, political and foreign policy relationships between the United States of America and other Latin nations significantly.