Cuban Revolution and Mexican Zapatistas: 20th Century Issues in Latin America

1. Standard SS6H3:The student will analyze important 20th century issues in Latin America and the Caribbean. a. Explain the impact of Cuban Revolution.

2. 20th Century Issue # 1: THE CUBAN REVOLUTION

3. Cuba is an island nation. It is located 90 miles from Florida.

4. During the 20th century • In Cuba, the political leaders came to power and were often thrown out by other leaders. • The situation was unstable.

5. Before the Revolution • American companies traded with Cuba and owned land in Cuba. • Most of Cuba’s sugar cane crop was sold to the United States.

6. Sugar Cane

7. Batista was elected president for 1 term. In 1952 (several years after he was no longer in office) he overthrew the president and made himself dictator. As dictator he ruled with no controls on his power. BATISTA

8. The people did not like Batista because there was much poverty, no healthcare, and no education.

9. In 1959, Fidel Castro led a revolt against Batista. Many Cubans joined Castro because Batista was so unpopular.

11. Fidel Castro became the dictator of Cuba in 1959. • He organized a communist government.

12. Because of communist rule… • Castro seized (took control of) all property in Cuba belonging to Americans. • All farms, businesses, and factories belonging to Cubans became government property. • All supporters of Batista were executed or imprisoned.

13. Personal freedoms were lost • Cubans could not protest against the government. • All newspapers, radio, and television were shut down or became government controlled. • Churches were closed and the church properties were taken by the government.

14. Reaction of the United States • The United States placed an embargo on Cuban goods. • Embargo- an order from the government that does not allow trade with a specific country • An embargo is a trade barrier. • The U.S. would no longer buy Cuban sugar cane.

15. Why might cars, bikes, etc. look like this in present day Cuba?

16. Cuba and the United States severed all ties—no trading or traveling between the two countries. • Castro’s communist government and the United States do not get along AT ALL. • The United States does not like having a communist country so close to Florida.

17. Cuba and The Soviet Union • Cuba aligned itself with the Soviet Union (USSR). • USSR began to trade with and support Cuba. • USSR supplied Cuba with weapons and trained their military.

18. Nuclear Weapons were sent to Cuba.

19. CUBA UNDER CASTRO • Most everything was and still is “dictated” or controlled by the GOVERNMENT. • However, health care and education were improved. • More than 1 million people left Cuba in the first 3 years after the Cuban Revolution. • Thousands of other Cubans have left the islands in the years since Castro seized power.

20. CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS • Remember this was one of the hotspots of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. • In 1962, Cuba allowed the Soviets to place missiles (aimed at the U.S.) in their country. • This was an extremely tense time that almost started a nuclear war.

21. Cuban Missile Crisis

22. Bay of Pigs “Incident/Invasion” • This was an unsuccessful attempt by a CIA-trained force of Cuban exiles to invade Cuba with support from U.S. government armed forces, to overthrow the Cuban government of Fidel Castro.

23. Bay of Pigs “Incident/Invasion” • The plan was launched in April 1961, less than 3 months after John F. Kennedy became president of the U.S.A. • The Cuban Armed Forces, trained by Eastern Bloc nations (Communist), defeated the exile combatants in 3 days.

24. U.S. President J.F. Kennedy demanded the missiles be removed. • Finally the Soviets removed the missiles and the U.S. did not invade Cuba. • There was no war.

25. CUBA TODAY • There is still an embargo on goods from Cuba. • Fidel Castro is in poor health and possibly has cancer. • In 2008 he appointed his brother, Raul Castro to be the head of state in Cuba. • The country is still communist.

26. 1.Who took over as dictator of Cuba in 1959?

27. 2. What type of government did Castro create in Cuba?

28. 3. What was one reaction the U.S. had to Cuba taking over property owned by Americas?

29. 4. Which country helped Castro build Cuba into a Communist country?

30. 5. What almost caused a nuclear war between the United States and U.S.S.R.?

31. 20th Century Issue #2 Mexican Zapatistas Standard: • Explain the impact and political outcomes of the Zapatista guerilla movement in Mexico.

32. Zapatistas = Armed Mexican Revolutionary Group. • The Zapatistas are a group of Mexicans who support improved rights and living conditions for indigenous Mexicans. • They have been known for harassment and sabotage against the government.

34. On January 1, 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into effect. • This was an agreement to allow free trade between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.

36. Some people in Mexico did not like this plan. • They thought that NAFTA would allow cheap farm goods to come into Mexico from the U.S. and put small farmers out of work. • On the day NAFTA took effect, Zapatistas took over several towns.

38. The army was sent in to remove the Zapatistas. • The fighting lasted for several days. • Agreements between the Zapatistas and the government have not solved the problems. • Zapatistas still claim Mexicans need improved health care, housing, education and jobs.

39. Slogan: “Everything for everyone and nothing for ourselves.”

40. Write down the answers to the following questions:

41. 1. The Zapatistas did not like NAFTA because they believed it would A. Mean U.S. factories would move to Mexico. B. Force Mexicans to move to the U.S. C. Hurt businesses in Canada and the U.S. D. Cause poor Mexican farmers to go out of business.

42. 2. Which group do the Zapatistas support? A. Canadian farmers B. U.S. factory workers C. Indigenous people of Mexico D. Poor farmers in North America

43. 3. Which is an area of concern for the Zapatistas? A. Acid rain B. Deforestation C. Housing D. Religion

44. 4. What did the Zapatistas do to show they were against NAFTA? a. Attacked government troops in Mexico City b. Took over several towns in southern Mexico c. Formed friendships with groups in other countries with similar goals d. Worked with the government on agreements to improve the rights of poor Mexicans

45. What is NAFTA again? NAFTA = North American Free Trade Agreement The countries include: Canada, United States, and Mexico

46. NAFTA Goals: • Free trade among its members • Improve working conditions • Reduce pollution • Create consistent environmental law regulations