On this day in 1902, Cuba became an independent country.
I recall my grandmother's stories of celebrations, parties, Cuban flags hanging from windows and a general sense of happiness around the island. I should add that she was 10 and born when Cuba was still a Spanish colony.
Of course, independence did not fix Cuba's problems. The island went through several ups and downs, government changes and the communist takeover of 1959.
Cuba did enjoy a lot of success in the first half of the 20th century. The island nation achieved macro-economic success, from per capita income to literacy. Unfortunately, Cuba's political problems made it difficult for country to enjoy a stable political climate.
Maybe Cuba will eventually celebrate another independence day as a democratic country. We hope so!
P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
I recall my grandmother's stories of celebrations, parties, Cuban flags hanging from windows and a general sense of happiness around the island. I should add that she was 10 and born when Cuba was still a Spanish colony.
Of course, independence did not fix Cuba's problems. The island went through several ups and downs, government changes and the communist takeover of 1959.
Cuba did enjoy a lot of success in the first half of the 20th century. The island nation achieved macro-economic success, from per capita income to literacy. Unfortunately, Cuba's political problems made it difficult for country to enjoy a stable political climate.
Maybe Cuba will eventually celebrate another independence day as a democratic country. We hope so!
P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.