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From Columbus to Colonialism to Revolution to Cuba TodayYou’ll learn about the African slaves brought in to work the sugar and tobacco plantations and the Chinese men who came to work on the railroads but were not allowed to socialize with the whites which explains the beautiful mulata - the result of relationships between Chinese and black Cubans.
The 1958 revolution ignited by Fidel and Raul Castro and Che Guevara also began on the island’s easern coast. As we travel the island on our eight day trips, you’ll learn about the history of Santa Clara, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. In Havana you will be guided through the Museum of the Revolution in the former Presidential Mansion vacated by Batista as he fled the country and you'll see the Granma boat that brought the revolutionaries to Cuba from Mexico. Other historic sites in Havana include those that commemorate the indigenous people of Cuba who were eliminated by the Spanish conquerors. There are also fortresses lining Havana’s Bay built by the Spanish to protect their treasures coming from Mexico and Peru on their way to the kings of Spain. You’ll learn about the independence movement that begin in the late 19th century when Cuba’s national heroes sparked the rebellions of the Creollos against their Spanish rulers. Cuba’s history has been linked with that of the United States since the late 19th and early 20th century when Americans came to dominate Cuba’s government and commerce. And our relationship has been a significant factor for both countries during the past 50 years as a result of the revolution against Batista’s corrupt regime. Only 90 miles separate our shores - a mere ½ hour by plane - but a great deal of history! |
