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Cuba History Paper

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BACKGROUND PAPER

ON

CUBA

1. The following briefing discusses Cuba’s history, its economical and social climate, and how they influence the United States and its interests.

2. The island of Cuba was originally inhabited by various indigenous cultures prior to its discovery by Spanish explorer, Christopher Columbus on 24 October 1942.1 After Columbus' arrival and the subsequent invasion of Spaniards, the indigenous cultures were soon eliminated by force or of diseases the Spaniards had.1 Under Spanish rule for three centuries and after various failed rebellions during the 19th century.1 The Spanish finally withdrew from the island after their defeat during the Spanish–American War in 1898. Cuba; however, did not gain formal independence until May 20, 1902.1

3. …show more content…
The largest beneficiaries of a partnership with Cuba and the United States, will be farmers in the southeastern states with their close proximity to Cuba, making their poultry, fish, rice, and corn exports highly competitive.6 As of 2006, a quarter of Alabama’s agricultural revenue derived from exports to Cuba, including the sales of poultry, soybeans and catfish.6 The largest relative gains to the US are to wheat and rice farmers; however, both trades have diminished in the last five years as US suppliers priced themselves out of the market, opening the doors for South American and Asian alternatives.6 Nonetheless the single largest advantage of opening relations with Cuba will be the reduction of federal enforcement costs of the embargo.6 “At least 10 different agencies are responsible for enforcing different provisions of the embargo, and according to the Government Accountability Office, the US government devotes hundreds of millions of dollars and tens of thousands of man hours to administering the embargo each year. Over 70 percent of US Treasury Department inspections each year are centered on smuggled Cuban goods, even though the agency administers more than 20 other trade

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