The+Group+MSK

Kelsie, Suyash, and Mohad

Thesis Paragraph-- à Between 1950-1970, the United States controlled or influenced many countries in Latin America, and many revolutions began during this period, two of them being the Cuban and the Nicaraguan Revolutions. The Cuban and Nicaraguan revolutions were both spurred on by nationalist responses to US neo-colonialism and corruption led revolts to appease the masses, but in Cuba, communism came to the forefront due to Economic Nationalism and Soviet influence while an Authoritarian government took root in Nicaragua because of US intervention. Both revolutions took root for the similar reasons, and because Castro nationalized the economy and took soviet aid, Cuba quickly became communist, and when Nicaragua seemed to be going down the same path, US intervention led to a provisional, authoritarian government.

Paragraph 1 - The root of both the Cuban and Nicarguan Revolutions was US neocolonialism which helped create corrupt governments which focused on making a profit rather than serving the people. Neither the Cuban (Nicaraguan) Upper Class nor the Americans cared for the rights of the poor masses or workers, thus setting a stage for the revolution.The working classes (who became the revolutionaries) resented the power of the elites in both politics and the economy and while neocolonialism increased the economies of both countries but because of this, both nations were largely dependent on the US.



Paragraph 2 - After taking down the Batista Regime, Cuba became communist because Castro's nationalization of the economy coupled with soviet aid led to a US embargo, forcing Cuba to become economically independent of the US. The US had been Cuba's largest trade partner and while the US pulling out of Cuba hurt the economy, it also made it nationalize in itself.



Paragraph 3- After seeing how events played out in Cuba, US intervention and aid helped empower the Nicaraguan leader causing Nicaragua to become Authoritarian rather than Communist. Like the Marshall Plan was used to stop communism in Europe, Aid and troops were sent to Nicaragua in order to ensure that communism does not spread to Nicaragua. But, to hinder communism, government control rose, thus creating a more oppressive state.