Cuba- Past and Present

John ORourke

Revolution Leader Fidel Castro Breaks Ties with U.S.

and Allies Himself with the Soviet Union
After a few months of the U.S. welcoming the new
democratic Cuba, Castro went against the 1952
military pact with the U.S.

Continued
On January 3rd, 1961, The U.S. broke relations with
Cuba. After this, Castro made his alliance with the
Soviet Union formal.

Bay of Pigs Disaster

In 1961, Cuban exiles invaded Cuba. They were backed
up by the U.S. who provided them air support.

Continued
April 17th, 1961, the landing of the Bay of Pigs finally
took place. The Cuban invaders didnt receive proper
support & were attacked by the Cuban military.

Soviet-Missile Crisis
In October of 1962, the Cuban Missile crisis began
(against the U.S. and U.S.S.R). This all took place during
the Cold War.

Continued
On September 1st, 1977 the U.S established limited
diplomatic ties with Cuba, making it easier for CubanAmericans to visit the Island.

In Poor Health Castro Announces His

Retirement
At the age of 81, Castro declared that he was no longer
good enough to run in the next parliamentary election.

Continued
Cuban ruler since 1959, Fidel Castro announced official
retirement in February of 2008. His reign of power
lasted almost 50 years!

Cubans Begin to Win Small

Freedoms
In February 2008, Foreign Minister Felipe Prez Roque
signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights and the International Covenant on Economic,
Social, and Cultural Rights.

Continued
In July of 2010, Castro decided to finally release political
prisoners that were held since a series of crackdowns on
dissidents in 2003.

Cuba Takes Possible Steps Toward A

New Leader Not Named Castro
April 19th, 2011, Cuba had a change in their
government. Jose Ramon Machado, was appointed to fill
the second highest position in the Communist Party.

Continued
It was the first time since 1959 that someone else
besides the Castro brothers had power.

Pope Makes Long-Awaited Visited

Pope Benedict XVI visited Cuba on March 26th, 2012. It
was the first papal trip since Pope John Paul II visited 14
years ago.

Continued
Around 200,00 people attended the Mass in Santiago de
Cuba, including people from as far as Miami. Many
attendees claimed that they were forced to go by
employers etc.

Exit Visa Requirement Is Dropped

On October 16, 2012, the government announced that
(starting in early 2013) Cubans would no longer need an
exit visa when leaving the Country.

Continued
On January 13th, 2013 a new policy fell into place;
Cubans could leave the country on vacations or forever,
however they needed a passport and a visa from the
country that their going to.

Cuba Resumes Diplomatic Relations

with the U.S.
U.S. President Barack Obama said that the U.S. would
resume diplomatic relations with Cuba, such as opening
and embassy in Havana.

Continued
Since 1961, the U.S. and Cuba hasnt had any
diplomatic relations between each other. The Pope held
a meeting to help with negotiations between the two.

Changes in the Near Future For the

U.S. and Cuba
In order to ease economic embargo, the U.S. will send
an ambassador to Cuba. After this Barack Obama said
that the U.S. would ease up on travel restrictions.

Is this Good or Bad?

I believe that this will be good for both the U.S. and
Cuba. It will be easier to travel to visit relatives, it helps
both countries benefit economically and it will enable
easier communication throughout the world.