1: Slavery, sugar and the formation of the Cuban nation
Slavery, sugar and the formation of the Cuban nation Welcome to our course on the enigmatic and beguiling island of Cuba. In this, the first of our historical and cultural explorations we will be examining the link between the cultivation of sugar and the formation of the Cuban nation. In this session we will examine the early 19th Century and how the struggles of slaves against the plantation system preceded the rise of a Cuban nationalism based upon equality between the races. Here below are some resources and activities that you can enjoy in anticipation of the session, or afterwards to extend and deepen your understanding. Use the comment function to the continue the discussion with the group and share other resources that you might find. 1.1 The Haitian Revolution To understand the curious nature of Cuban nationalism, you have to understand how the island became influenced by revolutions elsewhere. Although Cuba was the first Spanish colony, it was one of the last to gain its...