Download Cuba and us relations

CUBA AND US RELATIONS
Global Issues
Thursday 1/12/12
Bellwork

This week, you have learned about the difference
between command and market economies. Name
one country in North, South or Latin America that
leans more to a market economy. Name one country
in North, South or Latin America that has more of a
command economy.
Brief History of US and Cuba Relations

Can anyone in the US go to Cuba at any time?
 Answer:
No!
 Why Not?
 In
1960, the US imposed an embargo on trading with Cuba
because of Cuba’s communist leaning govt under Fidel
Castro

Why does the US dislike communism so much?
 How
would not being able to trade with the US affect the
lives of Cuban at this time?
Brief History of US and Cuba Relations
(cont.)


Cuba had support of Soviet Union from the 1960s80s, which caused greater tensions between the US
and Cuba
Cuba’s economy did well for a time, but eventually
economic problems began
 Why
do you think Cuba had economic issues even with
support from the Soviet Union?
 Soviet
Union had $ problems as well, and Cuba couldn’t
trade with it’s resource-rich neighbor (US)
 Cubans began to risk their lives by travelling on rafts and
boats to the US
Brief History of US and Cuba Relations
(cont.)


Cuba operates under a mostly command economy
Most of Cuba’s people are employed by the
government (public sector), but more Cubans are
now working in the private sector-what does this
term mean?
 Private
sector are those people who work for businesses
or themselves, they don’t work for the govt (examples)
Video Clip of Modern Cuba


Cuba is starting to change-Fidel Castro has been
replaced by his brother Raul, and they are moving
more toward a market economy because of the
growing private sector
As you watch the video, write down examples of
private sector jobs mentioned and other ways Cuba
is changing economically (write this info in your
graphic organizer)
Group Activity





In your groups, you will be reading excerpts from the
US Constitution and the Constitution of Cuba
Each passage refers to the rights given to people to
buy, sell, and own private property
Read the instructions at the top of the worksheet, then
write each clause in your own words on the second
worksheet
Write down any similarities and differences you notice
between the two documents on your worksheet
Be prepared to discuss your findings with the class
Exit Slip



After today’s lesson, do you believe that we will
ever lift the embargo and trade with Cuba? Why or
why not?
Turn in both your bellwork, exit slip, and activity
before you leave!
Tomorrow we will look at more examples of
different economies throughout the world