Cuba

Definition

Cuba is an island nation located in the Caribbean, known for its rich history, culture, and political significance. It became a focal point during the age of imperialism, especially when it was caught in the conflict between Spain and the United States, leading to the Spanish-American War. The outcomes of this war significantly shifted America's role on the global stage, marking its emergence as a key player in international affairs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cuba was a Spanish colony until the late 19th century, with growing independence movements leading to tensions that sparked the Spanish-American War.
2. The U.S. victory in the Spanish-American War resulted in the Treaty of Paris (1898), which ceded control of Cuba from Spain to the United States.
3. Cuba's strategic location made it important for U.S. military interests, particularly during conflicts like World War II and the Cold War.
4. The Platt Amendment restricted Cuba's sovereignty by allowing U.S. intervention and establishing a naval base at Guantanamo Bay.
5. Cuba's political landscape changed dramatically after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, which led to a socialist government under Fidel Castro and strained relations with the United States.

Review Questions

• How did Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain contribute to the larger context of imperialism in the late 19th century?
  • Cuba's struggle for independence was emblematic of wider anti-imperialist sentiments that characterized the late 19th century. The island’s fight against Spanish colonial rule highlighted issues of self-determination and sparked U.S. interest due to economic investments and humanitarian concerns. The subsequent U.S. involvement in Cuba not only influenced its path towards independence but also illustrated America's growing imperial ambitions during this period.
• Discuss how the outcome of the Spanish-American War transformed Cuba's relationship with the United States.
  • The outcome of the Spanish-American War fundamentally altered Cuba's relationship with the United States. Although Cuba gained nominal independence from Spain, the U.S. established significant control through the Platt Amendment, which allowed intervention in Cuban affairs. This created a protectorate-like relationship where U.S. interests dictated much of Cuba's foreign policy and internal governance, raising questions about true independence.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of U.S. actions in Cuba following the Spanish-American War on America's role on the world stage.
  • The U.S. actions in Cuba after the Spanish-American War marked a turning point in America's global influence, signaling its emergence as an imperial power. The establishment of control over Cuba set a precedent for future interventions in Latin America and beyond, which were justified under doctrines like 'America's duty' to intervene for stability or democracy. This expansionist approach contributed to a complex legacy that influenced international relations throughout the 20th century, including Cold War dynamics and ongoing conflicts over sovereignty and intervention.

Related terms

Spanish-American War:

A conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States that resulted in the U.S. defeating Spain and gaining control over territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Guantanamo Bay: A naval base established by the United States on Cuba's southeastern coast, which has been a site of significant military and political controversy.

Platt Amendment:

An amendment to the Cuban constitution in 1901 that allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs and established conditions for U.S. intervention and control over Cuba's foreign policy.