Latin American Reform

Match the word or phrase to its definition.

liberal - open to new approaches, or willing to break with traditional ways nationalize - to switch from private to government ownership referendum - an issue decided by popular vote implement - to put into effect, as a system of government opposition party - a group that seeks to be the controlling force in a government

A common misconception is that ruthless dictatorships characterize________. As part of Fidel Castro's revolutionary reforms, he____________Cuba's economy. Compared to Fidel Castro's presidency, today's Cuban government has____________________.

communism nationalized remained much the same.

Background information: This is a paraphrased excerpt from a speech given by Fidel Castro entitled "Second Declaration of Havana." What is the history of Cuba but the history of Latin America? What is the history of Latin America but the history of Asia, Africa, and the islands of the Pacific Ocean? What is the history of the peoples of these lands but one of cruel exploitation by the imperialist world? At the end of the previous century and at the beginning of the current one, a small group of nations that were economically developed split up the world among themselves, forcing their economic and political domination on two-thirds of the world's population. People had to work for the ruling classes among the nations that had set up a developed capitalist economy. Fidel Castro, 1962 What is the main idea of the passage?

A few strong nations held economic and political power in the global world.

Write a short paragraph comparing the US point of view and Castro's point of view on the events surrounding the Cuban Revolution.

According to Castro, the territory of Latin America is suffering from countries like the United States using their imperialistic powers. According to Castro, countries such as the United States take advantage of Latin American countries. Kennedy and other US leaders believe that Castro has created a dictatorship. The people of Cuba are suffering because Castro and communism oppress people politically and economically.

Background information: This is an excerpt of a speech given by President Kennedy to a group of newspaper editors on April 20, 1961. The President of a great democracy such as ours, and the editors of great newspapers such as yours, owe a common obligation to the people: an obligation to present the facts, to present them with candor, and to present them in perspective... On that unhappy island, as in so many other areas of the contest for freedom, the news has grown worse instead of better. I have emphasized before that this was a struggle of Cuban patriots against a Cuban dictator [Fidel Castro]. While we could not be expected to lend our sympathies, we made it repeatedly clear that the armed forces of this country would not intervene in any way. It is not the first time that Communist tanks have rolled over gallant men and women fighting to redeem the independence of their homeland. Nor is it by any means the final episode in the eternal struggle of liberty against tyranny, anywhere on the face of the globe, including Cuba itself. John F Kennedy, 1961 What is Kennedy's point of view about actions taking place in Cuba?

Castro is a dictator who threatens liberty, freedom, and democracy.

Background information: This is a paraphrased excerpt from a speech given by Fidel Castro entitled "Second Declaration of Havana." Since the end of World War II, the nations of Latin America have been consistently impoverished. The value of their per capita income decreases. The dreadful percentages of child death rate do not drop, the number of people who are illiterate rises, the citizens lack jobs, land, suitable housing, schools, hospitals, communication systems, and the means of subsistence. On the other hand, investments from North America are more than 10 billion dollars. Moreover, Latin America supplies cheap raw materials, and pays high prices for manufactured items. Fidel Castro, 1962 What were the effects of American investments in Latin America? Check all that apply.

Latin America supplied cheap raw materials. Latin America paid higher prices for manufactured goods. The overall per capita income of the nation had decreased.

Background information: This passage comes from Human Rights Watch, a US-based nonprofit organization whose mission statements says it is "dedicated to defending and protecting human rights." Cuba remains the only Latin American country that prohibits virtually all forms of political dissent. The government of Cuba continues to enforce this policy by utilizing beatings, short-term incarcerations, restriction of travel, and forced exile. The police continue to rely on arbitrary arrests, summary trials with no evidence or observers, and long jail sentences to restrict the right to free speech and freedom of assembly. Human Rights Watch, 2013 What is the opinion of the Human Rights Watch of the government in Cuba?

The government continues to oppress people and their political rights.

Why does Castro claim that US leaders oppose the Cuban Revolution so forcefully?

They fear Cuba will inspire others to rise up against US domination.

Background information: This passage comes from Human Rights Watch, a US-based nonprofit organization whose mission statements says it is "dedicated to defending and protecting human rights." Cuba remains the only Latin American country that prohibits virtually all forms of political dissent. The government of Cuba continues to enforce this policy by utilizing beatings, short-term incarcerations, restriction of travel, and forced exile. The police continue to rely on arbitrary arrests, summary trials with no evidence or observers, and long jail sentences to restrict the right to free speech and freedom of assembly. Human Rights Watch, 2013 Which of these facts is most likely to be of concern if you wanted to use this information, and needed it to be from a reliable source?

This organization is based in the United States, so it could be biased against Cuba.