Free Cuba Essay -- Cuban History Historical Essays

Free Cuba I. Introduction: Cuban history, like many other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean which have experienced colonial subjugation and imperial interference, is highlighted by tumultuous rebellions. Ever since the revolt of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes in 1868, who took up arms with his slaves to liberate Cuba from Spain’s colonial grasp, the existence of insurrectionists and adamant government opposition in Cuba has flourished. Social revolution and a strong will and practice of nationalism has indelibly characterized Cuban history. Nevertheless, the outcomes of particular movements and struggles for social justice have consistently frustrated revolutionary and radical leaders. Government regimes throughout history have in some manner or fashion, whether by force or by will, degenerated popular radical aspirations. For example, it was the North American intervention in 1898, during the second Cuban war for independence that opposed the popular will to establish an independent s overeign nation. Moreover, corrupt military regimes headed by opportunists such as Machado and Batista have also tainted and disregarded popular aspirations for national affirmation, human dignity, and democratic order 1. Consequently, Cuban history has proven that aspirations for social reform and a democratic republic have consistently gone arie. It is within this historical context of failed national ambitions and aspirations that Fidel Castro defines La Revolucion. Fidel Castro, in his program manifesto of the 26th of July movement, described the M-26-7 movement as a revolution "resolved to take up the unfulfilled ideals of the Cuban nation and to realize them 2." Castro’s dream of achieving Cuba’s "unfulf... ...I- cite taken from page 38. 7.) ibid (6) 8.) ibid (6) 9.) 26th of July Movement, "Program manifesto of the 26th of July Movement," in Cuba in Revolution, ed.R. Bonachea and Nelson Valdes. (Garden City, NJ, 1972) 113-140. 10.) ibid (9) 11.) ibid (9) 12.) Fidel Castro, "History Will Absolve Me." Closing speech in trial for the 1953 Moncada attack. Excerpt taken from: The United States, Cuba, and the Cold War American Failure or Communist Conspiracy? Ed. L. Langley ( Lexington, Mass, 1970). 13.) Ernesto "Che" Guevara, "One Year of Armed Struggle," in Guevara, Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War. Trans. Victoria Ortiz. (New York: Monthly Review Press, 1968) pp.196-227. 14.) Perez-Stable, Marifeli. The Cuban Revolution: Origins, Course, Legacy. (New York, 1993), "Introduction" and chapters I & II. Free Cuba Essay -- Cuban History Historical Essays Free Cuba I. Introduction: Cuban history, like many other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean which have experienced colonial subjugation and imperial interference, is highlighted by tumultuous rebellions. Ever since the revolt of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes in 1868, who took up arms with his slaves to liberate Cuba from Spain’s colonial grasp, the existence of insurrectionists and adamant government opposition in Cuba has flourished. Social revolution and a strong will and practice of nationalism has indelibly characterized Cuban history. Nevertheless, the outcomes of particular movements and struggles for social justice have consistently frustrated revolutionary and radical leaders. Government regimes throughout history have in some manner or fashion, whether by force or by will, degenerated popular radical aspirations. For example, it was the North American intervention in 1898, during the second Cuban war for independence that opposed the popular will to establish an independent s overeign nation. Moreover, corrupt military regimes headed by opportunists such as Machado and Batista have also tainted and disregarded popular aspirations for national affirmation, human dignity, and democratic order 1. Consequently, Cuban history has proven that aspirations for social reform and a democratic republic have consistently gone arie. It is within this historical context of failed national ambitions and aspirations that Fidel Castro defines La Revolucion. Fidel Castro, in his program manifesto of the 26th of July movement, described the M-26-7 movement as a revolution "resolved to take up the unfulfilled ideals of the Cuban nation and to realize them 2." Castro’s dream of achieving Cuba’s "unfulf... ...I- cite taken from page 38. 7.) ibid (6) 8.) ibid (6) 9.) 26th of July Movement, "Program manifesto of the 26th of July Movement," in Cuba in Revolution, ed.R. Bonachea and Nelson Valdes. (Garden City, NJ, 1972) 113-140. 10.) ibid (9) 11.) ibid (9) 12.) Fidel Castro, "History Will Absolve Me." Closing speech in trial for the 1953 Moncada attack. Excerpt taken from: The United States, Cuba, and the Cold War American Failure or Communist Conspiracy? Ed. L. Langley ( Lexington, Mass, 1970). 13.) Ernesto "Che" Guevara, "One Year of Armed Struggle," in Guevara, Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War. Trans. Victoria Ortiz. (New York: Monthly Review Press, 1968) pp.196-227. 14.) Perez-Stable, Marifeli. The Cuban Revolution: Origins, Course, Legacy. (New York, 1993), "Introduction" and chapters I & II.