How U.S. policy toward Cuba could shape a nation's future
A persuasive look at why Cuba's fight for freedom mattered to the United States, and how American attitudes and actions have long influenced the island's fate. This edition draws from a detailed examination of Cuban history, Spanish rule, and the evolving balance of power in the hemisphere.
The book argues that Spain ruled Cuba with strict military authority and widespread corruption, while slavery framed the political debate in the United States. It traces earlier attempts to acquire or influence Cuba and contrasts those past efforts with the current, broad-based Cuban movement. A central focus is the question of how American policy should respond when a neighboring people seek independence and civil rights.
- Learn how Cuba’s abolition of slavery and the revolutionary government’s stance shape the island’s future.
- See how Spanish governance in Cuba operated and why that system sparked rebellion.
- Understand the long arc of U.S. involvement, from filibustering fears to modern political calculations.
- Explore how public opinion, policy, and international comparisons influence decisions in Washington.
Ideal for readers of history, policy analysis, and the arc of international relations in the Atlantic world.