The Development of Castro's Cuba 1959-2006It is a good idea to begin by setting the context of the Cold War and US foreign policy by the 1960s; this tells us a great deal about the development of 'Castroism' within Cuba and its impact upon the region as well as the global Cold War. Your learning will be facilitated by approaching these years in two ways:
1. Understanding the story of Castro's years in power 1959-2006
2. A thematic overview of aims, policies and their impact on Cuba as well as the region and wider world
Guiding Questions What were the key features of Castro's domestic policies?
What were the aims of his social, economic, political and foreign policy program? How far were these policies successful?
What was the impact of these policies on Cuba, the region and the wider world?
Learning Method:
1. Read brief and simple information on Castro in power from 1959-2006 to build up a basic framework of knowledge. Creating a Mind Map or Time line to collect this information is an excellent idea to show key events, personalities, developments, dates and terms
2. Undertake detailed reading in your own time: An Auto/Biography is a great idea; documentaries; podcasts; Journals from ProQuest History, EBSCO. Keep the guiding questions above in mind so that what you learn is relevant
3. Show an awareness of the strengths and limitation of the information you learn from. Your essays require you to write critically; as the historian you need to reach well-informed judgments
Student studies of Castro in power Political policies: This section is looks at Castro's consolidation of power and the development of the state; methods of rule, ideology; development of the single party state
Social policies: This section examines policies in health, education and welfare, including cultural/ treatment of minorities
Foreign policies, including impact on Cuba, the region and the world. It is helpful to go to our linking theme on US interventions but for a great introduction watch Episode 18 of the CNN Cold War series: Backyard (1954-1990):
1. Understanding the story of Castro's years in power 1959-2006
2. A thematic overview of aims, policies and their impact on Cuba as well as the region and wider world
Guiding Questions
What were the key features of Castro's domestic policies?
What were the aims of his social, economic, political and foreign policy program? How far were these policies successful?
What was the impact of these policies on Cuba, the region and the wider world?
Learning Method :
1. Read brief and simple information on Castro in power from 1959-2006 to build up a basic framework of knowledge. Creating a Mind Map or Time line to collect this information is an excellent idea to show key events, personalities, developments, dates and terms2. Undertake detailed reading in your own time: An Auto/Biography is a great idea; documentaries; podcasts; Journals from ProQuest History, EBSCO. Keep the guiding questions above in mind so that what you learn is relevant
3. Show an awareness of the strengths and limitation of the information you learn from. Your essays require you to write critically; as the historian you need to reach well-informed judgments
Domestic policies and Foreign Policies Overview
Makers of the Twentieth Century Castro article.doc
The context of the late 1950s Digital History - this is an online textbook that briefs you on the setting for the 1959 revolution and its impact
Castro in power notes.docx
Ms Aylward's 'Death by powerpoint' notes on all domestic policies assisted by these Interactive note-taking worksheet on domestic policies: Politics, Economic, Social and Cultural - All on Smart Moodle
Overview Historiography
Student studies of Castro in power
Political policies: This section is looks at Castro's consolidation of power and the development of the state; methods of rule, ideology; development of the single party state
Social policies: This section examines policies in health, education and welfare, including cultural/ treatment of minorities
Economic policies
Foreign policies, including impact on Cuba, the region and the world. It is helpful to go to our linking theme on US interventions but for a great introduction watch Episode 18 of the CNN Cold War series: Backyard (1954-1990):