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Forces Leading to the Cuban Revolution

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Submitted By cesra
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The forces that led to the 1959 Cuban Revolution were the Monroe Doctrine, The Platt Amendment and the ruthlessness of the Batista puppet government.

In 1823, President James Monroe affirmed that the United States would not become involved in European affairs and that Europeans should no longer interfere with any part of the Americas. Monroe stated that any attempt by a European power to influence or colonise any independent nation in the Americas would be seen as an attack on the peace and safety in the United States. This statement became known as the Monroe Doctrine. Its aim was to limit European influence in any part of the American continent as well as the Caribbean.

The Platt Amendment, which was contained in the new Cuban constitution in 1902, gave the United States the legal right to intervene in Cuba in order to protect ‘life, property and individual liberties.’ The terms of the Platt Amendment included:
- Restricted Cuba’s ability to make treaties with other countries
- Gave the United States the power to intervene in Cuban affairs
- Gave the U.S the right to buy or lease land for military use
- Guaranteed the right to use land indefinitely
The Platt Amendment effectively placed Cuba under American control. Majority of middle class Cubans were frustrated by its lack of political power and influence. Many Cubans were fed up of being ruled by big countries and wanted independence.

Another factor that led to the Cuban Revolution was the ruthlessness of the Batista government. The Batista regime became increasingly unpopular because:
- The Cuban economy depended on the U.S demand for its sugar
- Cuba had become a playground for the U.S with gambling, prostitution and large scale corruption flourishing and the American Mafia an increasing presence
- The sugar industry, although provided well-paid employment, would only offer seasonal work for

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