1. Boris, Thebes, Cameron

2. Background Information Capital (and largest city): Havana Official Language: Spanish Ethnic Groups: 65.05% European, 10.08% African, 23.84% Mulatto and Mestiz Demonym: Cuban Government: Communist state President: Raul Castro Currency: Cuban peso (CUP) Population: 11,451,652 (2008 estimate)

3. Pre-colonisation Inhabited by tribes who farmed and hunted. Grew cotton, tobacco, maize and sweet potatoes Tribes were wiped out due to European infectious diseases.

4. Colonisation – 1600s to 1700s 1492 - Columbus arrives in Cuba Spain conquers and colonizes Cuba Local Cubans refused to work for the conquistadores, fleeing off into the countryside. Peace to an extent was eventually reached

5. Colonisation – 1700s to 1800s 1700s - African slaves were introduced Seven Year’s War 1800s - Cuban sugar plantations become most important world producer of sugar Spain and Cuba co-operate with trading Roads and railroads were built

6. 19 th century 1820s - Cuba remained loyal to Spanish empire 1868 - Failed rebellion led by Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. 1878 – 10 years war against Spain ends 1879–1880, Calixto Garcia attempts another war 1892, José Martí founds the Cuban Revolutionary Party 1895, José Martí dies in combat.

7. American influences 1898, USS Maine explodes in shores of Havana. Victory for US. Treaty of Paris (1898) signed, rights to Cuba handed over. Cuba gained formal independence from the United States on May 20, 1902 as the Republic of Cuba. New constitution allowed U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs & supervise its finances and foreign relations. Platt Amendment, Guantánamo Bay leased to the US.

8. American influences (cont.) 1906 - 1 st president, Tomás Estrada Palma, faced an armed revolt. Defeated. US occupies Cuba, Charles Edward Magoon named leader. 1908 self-government was restored but the U.S. continued intervening in Cuban affairs. Despite frequent outbreaks of disorder, constitutional government was maintained until 1930.