The Cuba Company and Cuban development, 1900-195

This study examines the history of Cuba Company, a trans-national railroad, sugar, and development company and its impact on Cuba's development from 1900-1959. Through its construction of railroads and active promotion of investment in Cuba between 1900 and 1959, the Cuba Company promoted investment by foreign and native companies and individuals in eastern Cuba. The relationships it forged as a result of its operations helped forge future ones and facilitated investment and economic growth. As a result, Cuba became one of the world's largest sugar producers, continuing a long historical development. Growth based on sugar, however, became an obstacle to diversification and development. This study is based on the private, internal records of the Cuba Company as well as on numerous other records in both Cuba and the United States.;In the first part of the study I examine the history of the company itself. I explain how the company was established and how it overcame the formidable obstacles it faced in order to construct the central Cuban railroad. There is special emphasis on international links and ties to government and elites and its manipulation of internal Cuban politics. The complex networks and relationships established between individuals for political and financial cooperation were a fundamental contributor to the success of the Cuba Company. Finally, I discuss the transition of the Cuba Company to Cuban control during the 1950s as a result of lower stock values.;In the second part of the study, I assess the economic and social impact of the Cuba Company's railroads on eastern Cuba's development with emphasis on how the links between Cuban elites and company personnel affected eastern Cuba. I conclude that the company's concerted effort in the promotion of Cuban economic development greatly increased eastern Cuban economic development. The regional perspective is crucial since eastern Cuba, after 1900, was the crucial determinant of national development due to the expansion of the sugar industry in the area.;In the conclusion, I assess how the company's impact on eastern Cuba affected national development between 1900 and 1959. I also assess the changing role Cubans themselves played in Cuban development.