Latin American and Iberian Studies  Tags: latin_american_iberian_collections  

Revolution in Retrospect: 50 years of social change in Cuba

Fifty years ago a group of Cuban patriots, in alliance with rural campesinos and urban students, proved that a concerted armed rebellion could defeat a dictator's army and bring social revolution to Cuba.  From that moment on, Cuba has played an historic role on the world stage—inspiring many, while frustrating its powerful neighbor with the inseparable combination of dogged independence and evolving socialism.

Initially conducted by charismatic leadership and legitimated through mass mobilization, the Cuban Revolution has matured into an institutionalized socialist state capable of peaceful changes, both political and economic.  The long rule of Fidel Castro transitioned seamlessly—guided by input from the Communist party, mass organizations, and neighborhood voting—into a new administration headed by Raul Castro.  Early experiments with moral incentives and economic planning have given way to a mixed economy where realism confronts idealism.  Cold War support from the Soviet Union has been replaced by renewed integration with Latin America and the wider world.  Throughout, Cuba has ensured freedoms in the form of universal health care and free education, which have never been disrupted—not by economic crises, devastating hurricanes, antagonistic exiles or the US blockade.

While some democratic deficiencies and socialist inefficiencies exist, Cuba has survived the permanent US threat and remains independent.  Its leadership is avowedly open to necessary changes and improved relations with the US; and its citizens are ever able to determine the nation's course on their own terms.

This exhibit, composed of Zimmerman Library holdings and student contributions, offers a glimpse into the island and its people.  Books, posters and other ephemera depict key figures and themes from Cuba's revolutionary decades.  Contemporary photographs reveal the social reality of everyday life alongside official state messages.  Lectures by academics, diplomats, storytellers and students will provide added dimension to our understanding of the Cuban Revolution at its half century mark.