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THE CHOICES PROGRAM BROWN UNIVERSITY
VIDEO COLLECTION

History, Revolution, and Reform: New Directions for Cuba

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Introduction: A Changing Cuba

History, Revolution, and Reform: New Directions for Cuba
How should we think about Cuban history?
What issues are Cubans on the island concerned about?
Why should high school students learn about Cuba?
Why should high school students learn about Cuba?

Part I: Colonization and Independence

How did Spanish colonialism influence Cuba?
How did slavery influence Cuban society?
Why is the sugar industry important to understanding Cuban history?
Why is the sugar industry important to understanding Cuban history?
How did the long presence of slavery in Cuba affect race relations on the island?
Why have the United States and Cuba had such a close relationship historically?
What was the relationship between Cuba and the United States in the nineteenth century?
How did the 1895 war for independence change Cuba’s relationship with United States?
What was the Platt Amendment?
What is neocolonialism?
Why don’t you use the term “U.S. protectorate” for the period from 1899 to 1934 in Cuba?
What were some of the differences between the U.S. protectorate in Cuba and formal U.S. colonialism?
How did Cuban politicians attempt to use the Platt Amendment to their own advantage?
How did the United States influence Cuba during the period of the U.S. protectorate (1899-1934)?
How did the Spanish continue to influence Cuba during the era of the U.S. protectorate (1899-1934)?
How did gender and race relations evolve in Cuba during the period of the U.S. protectorate (1899-1934)?
How was life for working-class Cubans affected by the U.S. protectorate (1899-1934)?
Why did many Cubans resent the close ties between Cuban and American elites during the U.S. protectorate (1899-1934)?
How did struggles over health and disease impact Cubans during the transition to independence?

Part II: The Cuban Revolution

How did the revolutionary government change the Cuban economy and society?
How have Cubans’ attitudes about the Revolution changed over time?
What was the Cold War?
How did Cuba become an ally of the Soviet Union?
How did the Cuban missile crisis change Cuba’s relationship with the Soviet Union?
How did Cuba “export the Revolution”?
How has the Cuban Revolution influenced education in Cuba?
How has the Cuban Revolution influenced health care in Cuba?
How has Cuba’s revolutionary government responded to U.S. imperialism?
How did the Cuban Revolution address the issue of race?

Part III: The Special Period and Cuba Today

What was life like for Cubans during the Special Period?
What is the rationale for the U.S. embargo against Cuba?
How successful has the U.S. embargo against Cuba been?
Why is it more difficult to lift the embargo than to change other U.S. policies toward Cuba?
How and why do many Cubans try to leave Cuba?
What role do Cubans living abroad play in Cuban society?
What should the United States hope for in a post-Castro Cuba?
What factors shape Cuba’s relationships with other countries?
How do Cubans view the United States?
What role have sports played in Cuban society—both historically and today?
What role has tourism played in the Cuban economy and society?
Is there freedom of the press in Cuba today?
What are internet access, cell phone use, and social media like in Cuba today?
How are race and economic inequality related in Cuba?
How are Cubans talking about race today?
What are major human rights issues in Cuba today?
What is the relationship between the Cuban government and young people in Cuba today?

Lesson: José Martí and His Legacy

Why is José Martí such a contested figure among Cubans?

Lesson: The Dance of the Millions

Why is the sugar industry important to understanding Cuban history?
Why is the sugar industry important to understanding Cuban history?

Lesson: Operation Carlota

How did Cuba use the China-Soviet rivalry to gain support for its involvement in Africa?
Why was there tension in the Cuban-Soviet relationship?

Lesson: The Special Period: Cultural Expressions

How does analyzing Cuban music help us understand Cuba?
What role has literature played in Cuban politics and society historically?

Lesson: Cuban American Experiences

What was your family’s experience emigrating from Cuba?
How and why do many Cubans try to leave Cuba?
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