Sugar in Cuba: A case study in American economic and political dominance in the Cuban sugar industry (1898--1932)

U.S.-Cuban relations have often focused on the political relationship. More recently scholars have begun to focus more on the political economy of U.S.-Cuban relations. Understanding the interplay of the political and economic ties between the United States and Cuba in the Pre-Bautista era is critical in understanding the rise of Fidel Castro. In setting the background for the 26th of July movement that precipitated the revolution in Cuba, it is necessary to examine the history of American domination of the Cuban sugar economy. From 1898--1932 the United States came to dominate the Cuban sugar industry through technological and economic dominance, that allowed the United States to gain political power in Cuba to protect foreign interests in Cuba. The failures of republican Cuba to foster prosperity are a story that deeply affects history.