Cuba and U.S.

Relations
Past and Present
By: Julia Stoberl

Castro Breaks Ties with U.S.

Castro broke the military pact with the U.S. and basically turned into a
communist country. He started to establish Soviet-style collective farms.
This made the U.S. break ties with Cuba on Jan. 1, 1961. Castro then
formed an alliance with the soviet union now making the country even
more into communism.

Bay of Pigs

A group of Cuban forces; Cubans who had fled their homes when Castro
took over; who were backed up by the U.S. military invaded Cuba. The
invasion was not successful however. The Cuban forces (U.S.)
surrendered in less than 24 hours of fighting.

Soviet Missile Crisis

The Soviet Union were planning to plant nuclear armed missiles in Cuba.
This placed a threat on the U.S. The U.S. replied to this situation by putting
a naval blockade around Cuba to show that they were ready to use force at
any given time. But in the end the Soviet and U.S. leaders agreed that the
missiles in Cuba will be removed in exchange for the U.S. not to invade
Cuba.

Castro Retires

In January 2008, Castro made the announcement of his retirement due to

his health issues. He stated that he was not healthy enough for the
upcoming elections. In february 2008, Castro finally retired ending a 49
year reign of power. In his place stepped forward his brother Ral Castro.

Cuba begins to get freedom

In February 2008, the foreign minister of the U.N. Felipe Prez Roque signed
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the
International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. This
means that the people in Cuba will now have the ability for political and
civil freedom, and guarantee the right to work, fair wages, social security,
education, and high standards of physical and mental health. Also Castro
released 52 political prisoners that have been held since 2003.

New leader but not Castro

For the first time since 1959 a member of the castro family was not
appointed for power, cuba appointed Jos Ramn Machado with the
second highest position in the communist party on April 19, 2011. Also in
October of 2011, Raul Castro allowed Cubans to start making their own
businesses which approved a lot of new jobs for the people of Cuba. Real
estate was aloud the following month so people can finally buy new homes
ever since the revolution.

The Pope makes a visit

Pope Benedict XVI visited Cuba on March 26, 2012. It was the first time in
14 years that a pope has ever visited Cuba, the last being Pope John Paul
II. Pope Benedict XVI says that he sees a bright future for Cuba and its
freedom for its people.

No exit vista needed

The Cuban government announced on October 16, 2012 that Cubans will
no longer have to have an exit visa when leaving the country starting in
2013. This new policy was made under Ral Castro to show that Cuba is
stepping toward the right direction in freedom.

Cuba and U.S. Relations

Cuba freed Alan Gross who was a U.S. aid contractor. He had been held
captive for 5 years and he was release on December 4th, 2014. In
response to releasing Alan Gross, President Barack Obama announced
that the U.S. will now continues diplomatic relations with Cuba. With this, it
includes opening an embassy in Havana. Pope Francis also helped to two
countries come together with a meeting held in the Vatican.

Cuba and the U.S.

I think Cuba and the U.S. are changing in a good way. By both countries
agreeing to tie diplomatic relations once again shows how both countries
have changed and do not want tension between the two. Instead, I think
both countries in some way are looking for peace and to somewhat help
each other in ways that they can.