Reference no: EM133604237 , Length: word count:550

History of Cuba and Puerto Rico

Instructions: You will write a comprehensive essay choosing one of the following questions. You may use your textbook, but not your notes. You will be writing the exam in pen.

Note: each question requires a thesis that makes an argument. Answering the question requires explanation and historical context. Remember the "mom's rule": pretend that my mother, who is intelligent but not an expert on Caribbean history, is reading the essay. Do not assume that she understands what "the War of 1898" or "the status question" mean. Your grade will be based to a large part not on what your answer is, but how you are able to articulate an answer and defend it using historical evidence from the course. A good essay should be around 5 paragraphs.

Since 1898, Cuba and Puerto Rico have had different relationships with the United States. Compare and contrast these relationships and analyze how each Caribbean nation's subsequent development has been shaped by this relationship.

Did the Cuban Revolution of 1959 represent the redemption of Cuba from the humiliation of 1898? Explain.

Emigration to the United States has been central to the history of both Cuba and Puerto Rico in the last several decades, but each nations has a different relation to its diaspora in the North American mainland. Why do you think this is so?

Do you think that Puerto Rico will remain in its current relationship to the United States for the long-term? Explain. (Note: you will need to explain what this relationship is, and how it has affected Puerto Rico.)

The Cuban Revolution of 1959 was one of the most important events in Latin America during the twentieth century. Why do you think it was so important?

The Cuban Revolution in 1959 had relatively modest goals, but by 1962 had become much more radical. Explain this process and analyze its importance.

Luis Muñoz Marín sought to develop Puerto Rico while putting to one side the "status question". Explain his plan and how he implemented it. Do you think it was successful?