emergence of castro

    Cards (3)

    • Political conditions in Cuba:
      • Domination of USA
      • The ‘Platt Amendment’ of 1901-1934 gave the USA control over Cuban foreign policy, the right to station troops and intervene ‘to preserve independence’
      • Guantánamo Bay became a US military base
      • Failure of Cuban Government due to corruption and repression
      • Presidents like Tomas Estrada Palma, García Menocal, and Gerardo Machado y Morales faced issues such as intimidation, fraud, neglect of social justice, and repression
    • Economic conditions in Cuba:
      • Reliance on sugar monoculture exposed the economy to price fluctuations
      • USA's domination in the sugar trade, bringing in 80% of Cuba's foreign earnings
      • The Sugar crop's value dropped from $200m in 1929 to $40m in 1932
      • Unemployment was at 17% in 1956-57
      • Inflation led to rising prices of imports and lower sugar prices in the international market, affecting living standards
    • Social conditions in Cuba:
      • Social inequality with 20% of the population living in Havana but receiving the majority of investment and wages
      • Rural areas lacked basic amenities like running water and electricity
      • Ownership was concentrated in the upper class
      • High suicide rates, lack of access to education and healthcare, and 50% illiteracy rate
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