Is Cuba On the West Of the Mississippi River?
Cuba is located in the Caribbean basin, just south of the United States. The Mississippi River flows through the southern United States and is often referred to as the ‘Mighty Mississippi’. It is one of the longest rivers in North America, stretching for a total of 3,734 miles (6,020 km). It starts in Minnesota, and then flows through the states of Mississippi and Louisiana, where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
Cuba is not located on the western side of the Mississippi River. To the east of Cuba is the Atlantic Ocean and to its north is the Gulf of Mexico. To the west of the Mississippi River, several US states line the banks of the river, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, before it empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
Cuba is a significant trading partner of the United States, especially in regards to its commerce with Miami, Florida. However, Cuba and the United States have had strained diplomatic relations in the past, and while they have entered into a period of improved relations, the United States still maintains a trade embargo on Cuba.
The political history between Cuba and the United States is closely linked to the geography of the two nations. Though Cuba is not on the western side of the Mississippi River, the foreign relations between the two countries illustrate the deep connection that exists between the two nations.
The European colonization of Cuba began in 1511, and it remained a colony of Spain until 1898. Spain officially ceded the island to the United States in the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War. As part of the treaty, the United States agreed to pay Spain $20 million to end the war and to accept control of Cuba. However, Cuba was never annexed into the United States, as the Platt Amendment of 1901 stated that the island would become an independent nation.
Cuba and the United States have maintained diplomatic relations since then, but relations have been strained since the Cuban Revolution in 1959, which saw the overthrow of the pro-American government. The United States then imposed an embargo on Cuba in 1960, which was made more stringent over the years.
Though Cuba is not located on the western side of the Mississippi River, the foreign relations between the two nations is a testament to the strong connection between them. From the colonial past of Cuba to the current embargo, the two countries have always had a unique relationship.
History of Cuba
Cuba has a diverse and vibrant history, with a wide range of cultures, languages, and customs. Native Americans have inhabited the island for thousands of years, and the island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. It was then colonised by Spain in 1511. The country then suffered through centuries of oppression and exploitation under Spanish rule, before finally gaining independence in 1898.
Cubans then rewrote their Constitution in 1940, which established a government based on a strong economic and educational system. However, in 1959, Fidel Castro led an armed revolution against the government, overthrowing it and instituting a socialist regime. Since then, Cuba has been a one-party socialist state.
Cuba has gone through periods of austerity and hardship, but it has also enjoyed successes in education and health care since the revolution. It is now known for its friendly people, beautiful beaches, and vibrant music and culture.
Impact Of US Embargo On Cuba
The US embargo on Cuba has had a significant effect on the island’s economy and society. The US imposed the embargo in 1960, which led to the disruption of trade with the US and other countries, as well as a large reduction in foreign investment. This has caused severe economic instability and poverty on the island.
The embargo has also limited Cuba’s access to the latest technology and medicine. This has had a detrimental effect on the health care system, as Cuba can no longer effectively treat certain illnesses, or easily purchase medical supplies.
The embargo has also had a significant impact on Cuban culture, as it has limited the access of Cuban citizens to American culture, including movies and television shows. Cuban citizens are also limited in their ability to travel to the US to visit family and friends.
Economic Development Of Cuba
The Cuban economy is currently undergoing an economic restructuring, in order to make it more open and efficient. This includes the privatisation of government-owned companies, changes to the tax system, and other economic reforms.
The Cuban government has also been encouraged by other countries to open up more to foreign investment and expand its trading relationships. Cuba also now enjoys some economic opportunities from the US, though the US embargo still largely remains in place.
Since Raúl Castro became president in 2008, Cuba has been undergoing reforms to encourage economic growth and to attract foreign investment. This includes a number of free-trade zones, which have been set up to encourage foreign investment, as well as incentives for entrepreneurs and increased access to credit.
What Is The Future For Cuba?
Cuba is currently in the midst of a period of transition. The Cuban economy is still largely state-controlled, and the embargo is still in force. However, the Cuban government is continuing to pursue reform and opening up to foreign economic and cultural influences.
The future of Cuba will largely depend on how the Cuban government reacts to the changes. With the ongoing US embargo, the Cuban government will need to continue to explore new ways to promote economic growth and attract foreign investment. Only time will tell what the future holds for Cuba.
Cuba’s Relationship With the US
Despite the strained history between the United States and Cuba, the two countries have recently entered into a period of improved relations. In 2014, Cuban president Raúl Castro and President Barack Obama took steps to re-establish diplomatic relations between the two countries, which had been severed for more than 50 years.
In spite of the US embargo, the US and Cuba have had some success in normalising their relations. The US has opened its embassy in Havana, and the Cuban Embassy in Washington, DC has been opened. This is seen as a positive sign for the future of US-Cuban relations.
There are still many issues between Cuba and the US, such as the trade embargo, the human rights situation in Cuba, and the issue of refugees. However, the recent steps that have been taken by both countries to improve relations is a positive sign for the future.
Conclusion
Cuba is not located on the western side of the Mississippi River, but it has a long-standing and complex relationship with the United States. From the days of Spanish colonialism to the current US embargo, Cuba and the US have always maintained a connection between them. Despite the difficult history of US-Cuban relations, the two countries have recently entered into a period of improving relations, with the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between them.
