Life from Communist Cuba to America

Contributed by Fernando Alvarez

 Life from Communist Cuba to America

 

           Cuba, one of the largest islands found in the Caribbean, was once a thriving and prosperous nation until tragic revolution led to its downfall. The revolution of Cuba links back to the reign of current president of the island, Fidel Castro, when he armed groups of guerrilla fighters to fight against police groups. This eventually led to the ruling president, Batista, to flee the country, allowing Castro to come into power and put selected leaders into office. The ruling of Castro caused relations with the United States to cease entirely, creating a deteriorated economy where farmers became slaves to the state. The period of 1959-1968 was a period known as Castroism in Cuba, where Castro took power and urged Latin American countries to follow. In 1962, Castro made his declaration of revolution, leading to the Cuban missile crisis where Americans and Russians stood face to face on the verge of nuclear war. By 1975, Castro was able to complete the political entry of Cuba into the Communist circle.

            Cuba’s culture is mainly set up so that everybody shares what is available to them. It is a country filled with working people, most of which are on the government’s payroll. The average Cuban makes about 200 pesos ($10 US) every month, which can be spent in stores for necessary foods and goods. In addition, Cubans receive food rations and free medical care from the government; however, the food is not sufficient alone. Citizens usually take buses or ride bikes to work, and do not have much opportunity for travel to the outside world. The youthful community is able to receive a minimum of ninth grade education and have the option of finishing high school. They are then able to attend the university, which is provided by the government for free. The Cuban people are a friendly community who are finding ways to get through hard times, but ever since the beginning of economic crisis, life has gotten harder. The end of Soviet aid has taken a toll on the economy and limited resources for several citizens. However, citizens today still appreciate the basic necessities of life, whether or not they have work or dollars.


Interview:

In this video, I interviewed my father who lived in communist Cuba as a child and left to America at the age of 10. Click here to watch > Interview (or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqBUY2E3kvU)

For more information about Communism in Cuba, see:

Cowan, Cameron. "Communism in Cuba." Communism in Cuba. 13 Feb. 2013< http://sunburst.usd.edu/~clehmann/HWB/hwb_l/cuba.htm>.

Encyclopedia Britannica. "Communist Party of Cuba (political party, Cuba)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica. 13 Feb. 2013< http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/129234/Communist-Party-of-Cuba>.

Mericle, David. "Daily Life." ThinkQuest. Oracle Foundation. 13 Feb. 2013< http://library.thinkquest.org/18355/daily_life.html>.

University of Groningen. "Castro and Communism in Cuba." 13 Feb. 2013< http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/outlines/history-1963/america-in-the-modern-world/castro-and-communism-in-cuba.php>.

Willens, Kathy. "Glimpse of life in Cuba." San Antonio Express-News. 13 Feb. 2013< http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/travel/article/Glimpse-of-life-in-Cuba-3702965.php>.