El libro relata cronologicamente los principales acontecimientos politicos y economicos ocurridos en Espana, Cuba y el resto del continente americano, desde el 27 de Octubre de 1492, fecha del descubrimiento de Cuba por Cristobal Colon y el 1 de Enero de 1899, fecha en la que Cuba pasa de la administracion de Espana a la de Estados Unidos de America.

While this work tries to be a primer in Cuban history in its relationship with its northern neighbor and mentor, the United States, before the Castro takeover, it is a great deal more. Aside from relating her experiences growing up in La Habana, the author documents Cuba's excellent economic strides and outstanding placement among Latin American and international nations, great educational system, and the impressive 1940 Constitution. The book aims at debunking the myth that Cuba required a revolution to cure any economic ills and/or that the Castro revolution delivered any improvements to the island. In the process of relating the history of Cuba from its discovery by Columbus in 1492 through its travails seeking independence from Spain, and later being incorporated to the United States as a protectorate before its independence; many interesting political twists and turns are uncovered, along with glimpses into the actions of presidents, military men, politicians, US newspaper barons, and even spies. Throughout these developments, aspects of the Cuban national character that help explain much of what unfolded in January 1959 are exposed as well as, a US White House perpetrator who has largely escaped historical scrutiny. Even though the Castro takeover of the island came to be on January 1959, this was not a disconnected occurrence; as several generally unidentified issues had been flying under the radar, helping to generate this seizure of power. Also, when considering the continuous United States meddling into Cuba's national affairs before and after its independence; as well as its veiled support for the Castro forces but, last-minute refusal to interfere in Cuba's affairs to preclude the imminent Castro Communist occupation, a clearer picture of the real culprit comes into focus. Lastly, this book is about fairness, learning from history, and personal growth; as the author describes her evolution from a seventeen-year-old Cuban refugee in 1959 into an acculturated United States citizen, who understands her adopted country's history and democratic form of government and the similar hopes she holds for her fellow Cuban Americans, alongside a yearning for long-overdue historical justice.

While this work tries to be a primer in Cuban history in its relationship with its northern neighbor and mentor, the United States, before the Castro takeover, it is a great deal more. Aside from relating her experiences growing up in La Habana, the author documents Cuba's excellent economic strides and outstanding placement among Latin American and international nations, great educational system, and the impressive 1940 Constitution. The book aims at debunking the myth that Cuba required a revolution to cure any economic ills and/or that the Castro revolution delivered any improvements to the island. In the process of relating the history of Cuba from its discovery by Columbus in 1492 through its travails seeking independence from Spain, and later being incorporated to the United States as a protectorate before its independence; many interesting political twists and turns are uncovered, along with glimpses into the actions of presidents, military men, politicians, US newspaper barons, and even spies. Throughout these developments, aspects of the Cuban national character that help explain much of what unfolded in January 1959 are exposed as well as, a US White House perpetrator who has largely escaped historical scrutiny. Even though the Castro takeover of the island came to be on January 1959, this was not a disconnected occurrence; as several generally unidentified issues had been flying under the radar, helping to generate this seizure of power. Also, when considering the continuous United States meddling into Cuba's national affairs before and after its independence; as well as its veiled support for the Castro forces but, last-minute refusal to interfere in Cuba's affairs to preclude the imminent Castro Communist occupation, a clearer picture of the real culprit comes into focus. Lastly, this book is about fairness, learning from history, and personal growth; as the author describes her evolution from a seventeen-year-old Cuban refugee in 1959 into an acculturated United States citizen, who understands her adopted country's history and democratic form of government and the similar hopes she holds for her fellow Cuban Americans, alongside a yearning for long-overdue historical justice.

Tracking Cuban history from 1492 to the present, The Cuba Reader includes more than one hundred selections that present myriad perspectives on Cuba's history, culture, and politics. The volume foregrounds the experience of Cubans from all walks of life, including slaves, prostitutes, doctors, activists, and historians. Combining songs, poetry, fiction, journalism, political speeches, and many other types of documents, this revised and updated second edition of The Cuba Reader contains over twenty new selections that explore the changes and continuities in Cuba since Fidel Castro stepped down from power in 2006. For students, travelers, and all those who want to know more about the island nation just ninety miles south of Florida, The Cuba Reader is an invaluable introduction.