The Wall Street Journal, September 14, 2021
Cuba’s Old Republic Outshines Colonialism and Castroism
The island’s democratic period (1902-1952) saw impressive achievements.
Sept. 14, 2021 6:45 pm ET
Cuban teachers studying at Harvard University in the early 20th century Photo: Harvard University Archives
Felipe Fernández-Armesto’s review of “Cuba: An American History” by Ada Ferrer (Bookshelf, Sept. 4) offers insights into Cuba’s history under colonialism and Castroism, but it does a disservice to Cuba’s democratic period (1902-1952). During the Cuban Republic, the island’s leaders negotiated the return of the Isle of Pines and reduced the U.S. military presence from four bases to two and then to one. The Platt Amendment was the price for ending the four-year American occupation following the Spanish-American War, and ending Platt in 1934 ended formal U.S. interference in Cuban affairs.
Over 50 years, Cuba developed a multiparty system, competitive elections, a free press, a modern public health system and a strong labor movement. This translated to social achievements placing pre-1959 Cuba at the top of Latin American indexes, outperforming Castro’s Cuba.
Cuba even led in proposing, drafting and lobbying for the passage of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Language in the declaration was selected from Cuba’s 1940 constitution. Cuban diplomats presented nine proposals, five of which are in the UDHR.
The Cuban Republic wasn’t perfect, but its achievements over a half-century delivered for all Cubans. It offers a powerful contrast to Cuba today.
John Suarez
Center for a Free Cuba
Falls Church, Va.
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Appeared in the September 14, 2021, print edition as 'Cuba’s Republic Outshines Colonialism and Castroism.'
https://www.wsj.com/articles/cuba-colonialism-us-cuban-republic-castro-11631547002