CubaPlatt Amendment
An amendment added to the new Cuban constitution after the Spanish-American War that attempted to protect Cuba’s independence from foreign intervention
it allowed extensive US involvement in Cuba
Ex: Guantanamo Bay
Good Neighbor Policy
Foreign Policy of the US towards Latin America created by FDR:
“In the field of World policy, I would dedicate this nation to the policy of the good neighbor, the neighbor who resolutely respects himself and, because he does so, respects the rights of others”
main principle was “non-intervention” and “non-interference” with LA
the US wanted to engage in reciprocal trade agreements, create new economic opportunities
this policy ended with the start of the Cold War
The Cold War and Latin America
During the Cold War nations were grouped in to 3 “worlds”
Third World: developing nations who weren’t aligned with either superpower, “nonaligned”
US and Soviet Union tried to gain influence in these regions by:
backed armed conflicts
gave monetary aid
Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution
In the 1950s Cuba was led by unpopular dictator, Fulgencio Batista
January 1959 a popular revolution, led by Fidel Castro, was successful
At first people liked Castro for bringing social reform
Soon Castro became a harsh dictator, suspended elections, controlled the press
Che Guevara:
He helped Castro overthrow Batista, served as military advisor
1966 tried to incite revolution in Bolivia, was captured and killed by the army
since death he has become legendary political figure
Bay of Pigs
Castro nationalized the Cuban economy: took over US-owned sugar mills and refineries
In response, Eisenhower ordered an embargo on all trade with Cuba, so Castro turned to Soviets for aid
1960 the CIA began to train anti-Castro Cuban exiles
April 1961 they invaded Cuba at the Bay of Pigs: Castro easily defeated them=humiliating for US
Nuclear Face-Off: The Cuban Missile Crisis
Failed Bay of Pigs convinced Soviet Leader Nikita Khrushchev that the US couldn’t resist Soviet expansion in LA
July 1962 SU began secretly building 42 missile sites in Cuba
Oct 1962 US spy planes discovered sites, JFK demanded removal of missiles and announced naval blockade of Cuba
Ppl feared nuclear war! Khrushchev agreed to remove missiles in exchange for US promise not to invade Cuba
Since then…
1991 Soviet aid abruptly ended with breakup of Soviet Union=crippled Cuban economy
Since then Castro has loosened state control of Cuba’s economy and sought better relations with other countries
2008: Fidel’s brother Raul took over