A New Era for the U.S.

and Cuba

By: Kayla Brown

The Revolution Leader breaks ties with the U.S.

On January 3rd, 1961 the U.S. broke their relations with
Cuba. At first, the U.S. did welcome what they thought
was a democratic Cuba.

The Revolution Leader breaks ties with the

U.S.
Fidel Castro established military tribunals for political
opponents and he had hundreds of people put in jail.
Castro became an ally with the Soviet Union.

Bay of Pigs disaster

In 1961, a U.S. group of Cubans invaded Cuba. This
invasion was given by President John Kennedy. President
Kennedy wouldnt give the U.S. air support.

Bay of Pigs Disaster

April 17th, 1961 was the day the landing of Bay of Pigs
occurred. The invaders were attacked by the Cuban
military. 114 people were killed and over 1,000 people
were taken as prisoner.

Soviet-Missile Crisis
October 1962 is when the Cuban missile crisis occurred.
This happened during the Cold War and was against the
Soviet Union and U.S.

Soviet-Missile Crisis
President Kennedy had promised to stop the missile
delivery by a U.S. blockade of Cuba. A soviet premier
ordered the missiles to be stopped and returned to the
USSR. In return, the U.S. could not attack Cuba.

Fidel Castro Announces his Retirement

When Castro was 81 years old he released a statement that
he is not healthy enough to campaign the parliamentary
elections. Castro was not withdrawn from this election and
he was reelected to the National Assembly.

Fidel Castro Announces his Retirement

In Feb. 2008, Castro ended his 49 years of power and
announced his retirement. Castro ruled since the revolution
in 1959 and he said he will not accept another term as
president.

Cubans Begin to Win Small

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

Cuba Begins to Win Small

Freedoms
During July 2010, Castro made an announcement saying
he is planning to release 52 political prisoners. These
prisoners, activists and journalists have been held since
2003.

Cuba Takes Steps Toward A New

Leader
On April 19th, 2011 Cuba appointed Jose Ramon Machado
as the second highest position in the Communist party.

Cuba Takes Steps Towards A New

Leader
This is the first time since 1959 that someone besides the
Castro brothers were given the position of the second
highest position in the Communist party.

Pope Makes Long Awaited Visit

The Pope, Benedict XVI visited Cuba on March 26th,
2012. This was the first papal visit in 14 years.

Pope Makes Long Awaited Visit

During his visit, the Pope was pushing for Cuba towards
freedom. 200,000 people attended the Mass in Santiago de
Cuba.

Exit Visa Requirement is Dropped

The government announced on October 16th, 2012 that in
2013 Cubans will no longer need to have a exit visa when
they leave Cuba.

Exit Visa Requirement is Dropped

Cubans can now leave the country on vacation or forever.
This also gives Cubans the opportunity to stay abroad
longer.

Cuba Resumes Diplomatic Relations with

U.S.
President Barack Obama said that the U.S. will continue
diplomatic relations with Cuba.

Cuba Resumes Diplomatic Relations with

U.S.
Cuba and the U.S. havent had diplomatic relations since
1961. With relations being restored, the ban for Americans
traveling to Cuba was gone.

Changes in the Future for U.S. and

Cuba
The United States are going to send an ambassador to
Cuba. This will ease the economic embargo.

Changes in the Future for U.S. and Cuba

Business transactions will be easier when the U.S. eases
the travel restrictions. Cubans will be able to communicate
with people around the world easier now.

How might the relationship between the U.S.

and Cuba changing? Is this good or bad?
The U.S. and Cuba havent had any diplomatic relations since 1961.
The relationship between the U.S. and Cuba is changing because they
are finally having a relationship with each other. President Obama
called their relationship with Cuba an outdated approach. I think
their relationship is changing because they both want to change the
rigid policies and start working together. I do believe these changes
are a good thing because it helps to improve the lifes of Cubans and
Americans. It will be easier for Cubans to communicate with people
around the world and visit their relatives. Business transactions will be
easier and the U.S. has another country to import and export goods
with. This diplomatic relationship between U.S. and Cuba benefits
everyone.

Resources
Council on Foreign Relations. Council on Foreign Relations.
Web. 25 May 2015.
"The Frozen U.S.-Cuba Relationship." Council on Foreign
Relations. Council on Foreign Relations, 28 Feb. 2012. Web. 25
May 2015.
"United States Severs Diplomatic Relations with Cuba."
History.com. A&E Television Networks. Web. 25 May 2015.