A History of the Cuban Revolution

Few historical events are as little understood –– or continue to stir such emotions –– as the revolution guided by Fidel Castro that overthrew the Batista government of Cuba in 1959. A History of the Cuban Revolution journeys beyond the fiery political rhetoric to present readers with a concise socio–historical accounting of the Cuban Revolution. The text explores the revolution′s effects on the Cuban public by bringing in many original voices –– both from the U.S. and from Cuba –– to address the everyday realities brought about by the implementation of post–revolutionary social and economic programs. Chomsky also engages with the myths and preconceptions about the revolution itself, providing a lively, anecdotal, and on–the–ground look at what the Cuban revolution has meant for ordinary people. With brevity and scholarly sophistication, A History of the Cuban Revolution offers illuminating insights into an important event that has aroused passion and controversy for 50 years.

Introduction: Studying the Cuban Revolution. Talking about freedom. Scholars weigh in. Why revolution? Comparing capitalism and socialism. Latin American attitudes. Chapter 1: Cuba through 1959. Colonial history. The colony in the republic. Revolution: a war, or a process? Chapter 2: Experiments with Socialism. Analyzing the situation: economic backwardness. The 1960s: Experimentation and the Great Debate. The 1970s: Institutionalization and the Soviet Model. Democracy: U.S.– and Cuban–style. Cuba in the 1970s: how it worked. 1986: Rectification. How democratic was Cuban socialism? Chapter 3: The Cuban Revolution and the World: Relations with the United States. The U.S. and Cuba. In their own words: US policymakers respond to revolution. Covert War: Up to the Bay of Pigs. Covert war: After the Bay of Pigs. The Missile Crisis. After the Missile Crisis. The war continues. Chapter 4: The Cuban Revolution and the World:  Emigration and Internationalism. Miami. Cuba’s global reach:  beyond the Cold War. Cuba and black internationalism. Cuba in Africa and Latin America. Civilian aid missions. Chapter 5: Art, Culture and Revolution. Literature. Film. Sport. Dance. Political culture. Food. Chapter 6: Cuba Diversa. Race. Gender. Sexuality. Religion. Chapter 7: The "Special Period": Socialism on One Island. 1993–1995: Rapidfire reforms. Charting new territory. Contradictions: inequality and jineterismo. Opting to leave: the 1994 exodus. Debate and its limits during the 1990s. Chapter 8: Cuba into the 21 st Century. From perfeccionamiento to recentralization. Civil society into the new century. Disillusionment. Bush–era policies. Cuba, Venezuela and the ALBA. Cuba after Fidel. Conclusion. Notes. Bibliography. Index.

Aviva Chomsky is Professor of History and Coordinator of Latin American, Latino and Caribbean Studies at Salem State College in Massachusetts. Her previous books include Linked Labor Histories: New England, Colombia, and the Making of a Global Working Class (2008), winner of the New England Council of Latin America′s Best Book Prize, They Take Our Jobs! And 20 Other Myths about Immigration (2007), and West Indian Workers and the United Fruit Company in Costa Rica, 1870–1940 (1996).

"This excellent short history covers a number of themes while managing to be exceptionally insightful... Chomsky brings a balanced breath of fresh air that not only informs readers but also illuminates the topic. Summing Up: Essential. All levels/libraries." (Choice, 1 August 2011)   "However, these weaknesses should not detract from what is a welcome, worthy and highly perceptive summary of the evolution of a process that is often baffling to outsiders, as well as to many Cubans on the island itself. It not only avoids many familiar pitfalls but shows a perceptive eye alongside the clear sympathy." (Journal of Latin American Studies, 2011) "The book will interest instructors and students as well as a general audience." (Booknews, 1 April 2011) "An overview of the political and economic events is combined with a look at this social impact through an examination of the lives of ordinary people." (Times Higher Education Supplement, 24 February 2011) “This book is a useful textbook for undergraduate students and a welcome addition to the historiography on the Cuban Revolution. I would even strongly recommend it to any tourist visiting the island since it is concise, very well written, and easy to digest.”  ( Hispanic American Historical Review , 1 August 2012)