Recently, President Barack Obama finally removed Cuba from the list of countries that support
terrorism.
This move, along with a mutual agreement between the US and Cuba to discuss improved relations,
is a big step towards lifting the half century long embargo against the communist island.
Here’s a timeline to help better understand the Cuba embargo.
1959: 1959…
Fidel Castro leads an invasion of Cuba, instituting himself as a communist dictator.
October 1960: The following year, the Cuban government takes over all US businesses in
Cuba.
In response, President Dwight D. Eisenhower cuts off relations with Cuba and institutes
a presidential proclamation to block exports.
1961: President John F. Kennedy and the CIA attempt a failed invasion of Cuba at the Bay
of Pigs.
The CIA also orchestrates a number of plots to assassinate Fidel Castro but none succeed.
1962: The USSR sends nuclear missiles to Cuba, prompting the Cuban missile crisis.
Kennedy orders a total economic embargo, including travel and imports, on Cuba.
1996: After decades of stalemate, Cuba shoots down two US aircrafts.
The US passes the Helms-Burton Act, which makes the embargo official US law instead
of a presidential proclamation.
The act lists conditions to lift the embargo, including the removal of Castro and severing
ties to the Soviet Union.
1997-1998: President Bill Clinton eases parts of the Cuba embargo, allowing food, medicine,
and humanitarian supplies.
Later he allows Cuban-Americans to send money to their families, and lifts certain travel
restrictions.
2002: The US Secretary of State lists Cuba as an “axis of evil” country for reportedly
attempting to develop biological weapons.
October 2003: President George W. Bush increased sanctions on Cuba, restricting travel and
money transfers.
A propaganda campaign to push Cuba towards democracy is enacted.
Feb 2008: Fidel Castro’s brother, Raul, takes over as President of Cuba.
April 2009: President Obama lifts the Bush-imposed travel and money restrictions.
December 2014: Raul Castro and President Obama agree to re-establish diplomatic relations
after more than a year of secret talks involving Pope Francis.
The new changes lift a number of restrictions on Cuba.
April 2015: President Obama removes Cuba from the list of sponsored terrorism countries.
It seems that after decades of embargo, the relationship between Cuba and the United States
is beginning to normalize.
It appears to be only a matter of time until the two countries finally resolve their decades
long animosity.
Cuba isn’t the only country in Latin-America that has a messy relationship with the United
States.
To learn about why Venezuela hates the US, check out our video here.
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