Castro's Domestic Policies

The Special Period

1989-1993 in Cuba brought on by the collapse of the USSR. Shortages of everything and infrastructure was weak. The USSR was a lynchpin of their economy. Cuba's GDP fell 34%. Energy in short supply. This forced Castro to allow certain capitalistic developments such as self-employment, adoption of the dollar, and tourism industry

What were the results of his policies and how did he react?

Castro implemented moderate agrarian reform (to avoid conflict with US) Pay became more fair, workers got rights and shorter working hours Humberto Perez was replaced ('85) by a new committee. Rectification campaign moved Cuba back into a centralized economy. Castro made it illegal to discriminate on terms of gender and race. Health care was universal and in rural areas due to centralized economy. Education was ensured to everyone up to/through university. Rapid,public punishment of criminals (televised). Implemented the secret police to stop enemies. Mobilized unemployment during special period to plantations and nationwide campaign to reduce waste. Agriculture cooperatives were created.

INRA (Nationalization and land reform)

Initially affected only wealthy land owners and brought short term relief for peasants. Nationalized major industries, reduced rent and broke up large land holdings. 200,000 got title deeds for land they used to work on. Landowners were given compensation based on tax records.

What were the problems Castro faced?

Pre-Castro Cuba faced unfavorable trade relations with the US. High unemployment in rural areas and poor working conditions. Corruption from officials, greed, dissatisfaction in working class. US corps influenced the government and media to create a strong anti-Castro message because of the land reforms. African and Spanish descent had many differences. African Cubans were working class with little hope for advancement Criticisms over banning political parties . Controlling the chaos and prevent violence. Enemies included the US, US mafia, Authenticos, CIA...

Economic relations with USSR

USSR withdrew the missiles, leaving Cuba vulnerable. Became back on good terms by '68 and Castro became more dependent on USSR after Che's death. Began adopting structure of Soviet state.

Control of Media

When Castro rose to power, he 'temporarily' banned anti-revolutionary media. Supported this by calling it a measure of public safety due to US threat. Professors that disagreed with communism were threatened with dismissal and arrest. Media outlets who were anti-Castro were threatened to be shut down. Exiled not executed.

In his economic and social policies, what was Castro trying to achieve for Cuban people?

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