Bienvenidos a CubaHistory

Around 4000 BC, the Guanahatabey

and Ciboney people of South America

came to Cuba. They farmed the lands.

Bienvenidos a CubaHistory

In 500 AD, the Taino people of South America came to Cuba. They farmed, hunted and

fished.

Bienvenidos a CubaHistoryIn 1492,

Christopher Columbus came

to Cuba and claimed the

island for Spain.

Bienvenidos a CubaHistory

In the 1500s, Spanish

conquistadors controlled the

people of Cuba.

Bienvenidos a CubaHistory

From 1492 – 1868 the

Spanish forced the native

Cubans to work on sugar

plantations.

Bienvenidos a CubaHistory

Finally in 1868 the native

Cubans fought for independence from Spain. The war lasted ten

years.

Bienvenidos a CubaHistory

After the “Ten Years’ War,” Spain

promised to make changes, but by

1895 not many had been fulfilled. The natives once again waged war against

Spain.

Bienvenidos a CubaHistory

•In 1898, the US joined in the war against Spain.

•Because of the help from the US, the war against Spain was won.

•Instead of then giving Cuba to the native people, the US kept it for themselves for four years.

Bienvenidos a CubaHistory

In 1902, the US gave back Cuba to

the native people in exchange for

having a US harbor in Cuba

(Guantanamo Bay).

Bienvenidos a CubaHistory

In the early 1900s, Cuba

became a very prosperous

country, because of the sugar fields

and tourism.

Bienvenidos a CubaHistory

In 1959, Fidel Castro became the dictator of Cuba. During

Castro’s Communistic rule,

Cuba suffered greatly.

Bienvenidos a CubaHistory

The new leader of Cuba is Raul Castro, Fidel’s

brother. Cuba is now slowly

becoming a more prosperous

country again. Top 10 Attractions in Havana, Cuba

Regions

•Cuba has more beaches than any other country in the Caribbean.

•There is twice as much coastline in Cuba, than in California.

•There are caves in some of the shoreline cliffs, which in the past served as hideouts for slaves, rebels, and pirates.

•Cuba’s coasts even have coral reefs.

Regions

•The Zapata Swamp is the largest wetlands in the Caribbean and are similar to the Florida Everglades. The Cuban crocodile is at home in these swamps.

•Besides swamps, Cuba has mountains, lagoons, rolling plains, jungles, grasslands, deserts, and forested hills.

Resources•Cuba’s main exports are: sugar, fish, shrimp, lobsters, grapefruits, oranges, and pineapples.

•Cuba is a world leader in nickel production. Nickel is used to make batteries.•Cobalt is a byproduct of nickel production. Cobalt is used to treat cancer, create blue paints, and to create stronger alloys.

•Alloys are used to make hubcaps and bumpers in vehicles. •Limestone is mined and then used to make cement.

AnimalsThere are many animals, which can only be found in Cuba:

SolenodonCuban ParrotThe World’s Smallest FrogRed-White-and-Blue TocororoPainted SnailWest Indian ManateeBee Hummingbird

Education• From Preschool to College, school in Cuba is totally free.• The Cuban government also pays for meals and school supplies.• Most students learn English.• There are only government run schools, no private schools. • Students wear uniforms, a different color for each year.• Most teenagers go to school at country boarding schools, where they also help

with farm work.• Cuba has a very high level of literacy, and most Cubans are very highly

educated.

Music•Cuba is home to a type of music called: Son.•It was invented over 200 years ago.•It is a combination of the African drums and the Spanish guitar.

•The Cuban guitar and claves (wooden sticks) are also used in this type of music.

Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars link