Background Information

Cuba was discovered in 1492 by Columbus. The name Cuba came from the aboriginal name Cubanascan. In the 1830's the Spanish rule became increasingly repressive and caused a movement for independence. Then in 1844, black slaves revolted against their masters but were quickly suppressed. America tried several times to purchase Cuba from Spain, but Spain would not sell the territory, which was a contributing factor to the Spanish-American War. After America won, Spain gave up most of their land in the Gulf of Mexico including Cuba. Even though Cuba claimed independence, in 1901 the U.S. would continue to intervene with Cuba's affairs for years to come.

Map of Cuba