HIST 341 – President Barack Obama was in Cuba in a historic visit

Recently, President Barack Obama was in Cuba in a historic visit. For many people, this visit was important. However, very few non Cubans know the evolution of Cuban nationalism and nation building. Franklin Knight discusses these issues in detail. How did the Cuban independence movement emerge and how was Cuban nationalism different from the Dominicano and Haitian experiences? What led to the emergence of Cuban socialism? What role did Fidel Castro play? How was it possible for Raul Castro to successfully succeed Fidel and the Communist Party of Cuba remain in power?Bertrand Aristide was seen as the first Haitian leader to win a presidential election through a free and fair election. Yet, his Administration was toppled by reactionary forces tied to the Duvalier era. Who were Francois Duvalier and Jean Claude Duvalier? How were their administrations important for our understanding of modern Haiti? Which social economic obstacles prevented Haitian development in the past 50 years?The New Jewel Movement/NJM stunned the world when it seized power in 1979. Perry Mars examined some of the features of this organization in power. What did he posit as the variables for success/failure? What are the factors that Mars state are impediments for socialism in the Commonwealth Caribbean?Marcus Garvey is revered by many in the African world. What impact did he have on his homeland Jamaica from 1917 onward? Is there a Garveyist heritage in Jamaican politics? Why/why not? What was the Universal Negro Improvement Association-African Communities League/UNIA-ACL and was it influential in the Caribbean Basin?