The History of Cuba

by Clifford L. Staten

Cuba is much more than cigars, classic automobiles, and Castro. This remarkable nation has had a long history of relations with larger political powers that were drawn to the island because of its valuable resources and strategic location. Ties between Cuba and the United States have been strong since the mid-nineteenth century, and the theme of U.S. dominance over the island and its people is a primary historical perspective. Cuba's history is told in eight chronological chapters, from its earliest days as a Spanish colony, through its wars for independence and the U.S. occupation in the twentieth century to Batista, the Cold War, and the so-called "Special Period," when Cuba faced the crisis of the downfall of the Soviet Union. With special emphasis on the twentieth century, the Castro era, and U.S.-Cuba relations, this is the most accessible and current history of Cuba available.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Travel

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Tyler Brannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief history of Cuba from 1492 through 2003 focusing on political trends, major political figures, and the farming monoculture that dominated the lives of rich and poor alike.

Cuba is presented as an island forever controlled by outside forces. Cubans are tertiary players in the international slave trade, Spanish exploitation, American hegemony, the Cold War, and the always capricious global sugar market.

[Ben Ricketts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brief—but detailed and balanced—read. A few typos here and there get bothersome, and some portions suffer from mildly confusing wording, but this is worth checking out if you have an interest in Cuban history. It’s not the most fast-paced, titillating read, but it’s incredibly informative.

[Adriane · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you love sugar (and knowing the price per pound for specific years throughout history), while you hate elaboration on details such as the humanistic events of the 10 years war, then you'll enjoy this book. I do not fall in that category. Cuban history is so incredibly rich and interesting, I felt like reducing it to economics and sugar prices made the book really boring. The things I would have really enjoyed learning more about, and the perspectives I would have found interesting, were totally missing. It was painful reading.

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The History of Cuba does a good job narrating the tumultous history of Cuba. This is a thorough look at Cuban history from it's colonial roots through the GW Busch era. It's only 150 pages long, not because it is neglectful of any period but because it concise and stays true to its scope of covering the people, parties and forces that have shaped and ruled this island.

[Woody · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a concise, clearly-written history of Cuba. It profiles key people along the way like Castro, Guevara and Marti, and is spiced up with timely quotes. I learned a lot from this book and found the reading interesting from start to finish.

[Andrew Daniels · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ridiculous biased, warped view of Cuba

This is awful tripe, just like his book on Nicaragua

[Andie X. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative story on the history of Cuba and the involvement and influence of the United States. Written simply as stated information leaving room for the reader to form their own opinion as to the what Cuba is in the world today.

[Harry Culpan]

There aren't that many history books on Cuba available for the Kindle, so that was really it's main recommendation. Done with the first chapter and it's pretty good so far, but it hasn't really gotten into the history yet. The first chapter is more like an introduction to modern Cuba.

[Brendan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a pretty fun story, all together. It's the island where Christopher Columbus landed and the most troublesome, colonially.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good overview of the history of cuba...not real strong on pre columbian era, but good fron from cortez on.

[Stef · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a good survey history but the writing style is rather dry.

[Nicole Capelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

One the densest, most comprehensive books about Cuba's history that I've read to date.

[Wes Pue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short history of Cuba. Well written. A useful introduction for any reader.