Fundamentals of Communism

Much of this reading will come across as a review for us.  At this point in the year, we should be very familiar with the tenets of communism.  After reading the excerpt from Karl Marx's Communist Manifesto (locations 17-19), consider how the communist ideology aligns with the political practice. To what extent did any ONE (Mao, Allende, Castro, Stalin, etc.) communist leader live up to Karl Marx's ideals?

Predictions for Communism in Crisis

Communism in Crisis is our last and final unit in this class!  We will look at examples from several communist countries and consider how their governments are challenged.  1979-1991 is a pivotal period in history, as many communist governments declined or collapsed.  We will also finally learn how to write Paper 1!

It is fascinating to think about how many ways history repeats itself.  The Olympics are a perfect example.  Consider how controversial Sochi is in 2014, and compare to the 1980 Olympics in Moscow.  Why did the United States initiate the boycott against the 1980 Olympics?  How do you see participating countries still reacting against Russia's policies now?

On a completely unrelated (but very important) note: tell me your biggest fears about the IA.  Is it finding sources?  Taking notes?  Turning your research findings into a paper?  Be honest here, because this will help me direct class tomorrow.

Castro: A Rebel without a cause?

This historiographical essay discusses conflicting ideas about Castro's true ideology.  Was he truly a communist, or did he do this simply to spite the United States?  To what extent does he use religion as a way to rally the masses behind him?  Consider the different historian's ideas about Castro--which do you feel are the most convincing, and why?

Life in Castro's Cuba, Part II

What does this section of the reading reveal about the justice system in Cuba under Castro?  How well did special interest groups, such as CDRs and the FMC ensure the success of Castro's revolution?

Life in Castro's Cuba, Part I

It is paradoxical to analyze the social effects of Castro's Cuba.  Consider the statistics at the beginning of the reading--to what extent did living conditions improve in the late 20th century in Cuba since Batista's days?  How do different types of minorities (i.e. blacks, homosexuals) exist in Castro's Cuba? Why was the reputation of the Cuban military--in the form of UMAP--significant to consider?

The Special Period -- Cuba After 1991

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Castro had to reevaluate Cuba's international market, particularly Cuba's relationship with the United States.  To what extent did Castro reopen the doors to the West in Cuba's post-Soviet days?  How did different US administrations receive this relationship?  Consider how George W. Bush equates Castro as part of the 'Axis of Evil' in 2002 (p. 227).

Changes in Castro's Style of Government, 1970-90

After Che Guevara was killed in 1967, Castro lost one of his major allies from the Western Hemisphere.  What were some of the ways that Castro tried to strengthen his own influence, as well as that of the Communist party in the 1970s and 1980s?  To what extent did Cuba become more dependent on the Soviet Union by the 1980s?  How do you think this will affect Cuba when the USSR dissolves in 1991?