Cuban History Essays - CubaUnited States Relations, Island Countries

Cuban History History of Cuba Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Cuba on October 28, 1492, during his initial westward voyage. In honor of the daughter of Ferdinand V and Isabella I of Spain, his benefactors, Columbus named it Juana, the first of several names he successively applied to the island. It eventually became known as Cuba, from its aboriginal name, Cubanascnan. Colonization by Spain When Columbus first landed on Cuba it was inhabited by the Ciboney, a friendly tribe related to the Arawak. Colonization of the island began in 1511, when the Spanish soldier Diego Vel?zquez established the town of Baracoa. Vel?zquez subsequently founded several other settlements, including Santiago de Cuba in 1514 and Havana in 1515. The Spanish transformed Cuba into a supply base for their expeditions to Mexico and Florida. As a result of savage treatment and exploitation, the aborigines became, by the middle of the 16th century, nearly extinct, forcing the colonists to depend on imported black slaves for the operation of the mines and plantations. Despite frequent raids by buccaneers and naval units of rival and enemy powers, the island prospered throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. Restrictions imposed by the Spanish authorities on commercial activities were generally disregarded by the colonists, who resorted to illicit trade with privateers and neighboring colonies. Following the conclusion of the Seven Years' War in 1763, during which the English captured Havana, the Spanish government liberalized its Cuban policy, encouraging colonization, expansion of commerce, and development of agriculture. Between 1774 and 1817 the population increased from about 161,000 to more than 550,000. The remaining restrictions on trade were officially eliminated in 1818, further promoting material and cultural advancement. During the 1830s, however, Spanish rule became increasingly repressive, provoking a widespread movement among the colonists for independence. This movement attained particular momentum between 1834 and 1838, during the despotic governorship of the captain general Miguel de Tac?n. Revolts and conspiracies against the Spanish regime dominated Cuban political life throughout the remainder of the century. In 1844 an uprising of black slaves was brutally suppressed. A movement during the years 1848 to 1851 for annexation of the island to the United States ended with the capture and execution of its leader, the Spanish-American general Narciso L?pez. Offers by the U.S. government to purchase the island were repeatedly rejected by Spain. In 1868 revolutionaries under the leadership of Carlos Manuel de C?spedes proclaimed Cuban independence. The ensuing Ten Years' War, a costly struggle to both Spain and Cuba, was terminated in 1878 by a truce granting many important concessions to the Cubans. In 1886 slavery was abolished. Importation of cheap labor from China was ended by 1871. In 1893 the equal civil status of blacks and whites was proclaimed. Independence Although certain reforms were inaugurated after the successful revolt, the Spanish government continued to oppress the populace. On February 23, 1895, mounting discontent culminated in a resumption of the Cuban revolution, under the leadership of the writer and patriot Jos? Mart? and General M?ximo G?mez y B?ez. The U.S. government intervened on behalf of the revolutionists in April 1898, precipitating the Spanish-American War. Intervention was spurred by the sinking of the battleship Maine in the harbor of Havana of February 15, 1898, for which Spain was blamed. By the terms of the treaty signed December 10, 1898, terminating the conflict, Spain relinquished sovereignty over Cuba. An American military government ruled the island until May 20, 1902, when the Cuban republic was formally instituted, under the presidency of the former postmaster general Tom?s Estrada Palma. The Cuban constitution, adopted in 1901, incorporated the provisions of the Platt Amendment, U.S. legislation that established conditions for American intervention in Cuba. Certain improvements, notably the eradication of yellow fever, had been accomplished in Cuba during the U.S. occupation. Simultaneously, U.S. corporate interests invested heavily in the Cuban economy, acquiring control of many of its resources, especially the sugar-growing industry. Popular dissatisfaction with this state of affairs was aggravated by recurring instances of fraud and corruption in Cuban politics. The first of several serious insurrections against conservative control of the republic occurred in August 1906. In the next month the U.S. government dispatched troops to the island, which remained under U.S. control until 1909. Another uprising took place in 1912 in Oriente Province, resulting again in U.S. intervention. With the election of Mario Garc?a Menocal to the presidency later in the same year, the Conservative Party returned to power. On April 7, 1917, Cuba entered World War I on the side of the Allies. Growing Instability Mounting economic difficulties, caused by complete U.S. domination of Cuban finance, agriculture, and

Youve Got a Job Interview and Youre Sick Now What

Youve Got a Job Interview and Youre Sick Now What Going to a job interview if you are sick with anything from a head cold to the bubonic plague is not the best move. Although you really want to go even if you are sick, it puts you at a disadvantage in that you won’t be at your best. In addition, horror of horrors, you might pass whatever you have to the recruiter. That won’t leave the best impression. There are things you can do, and a few tips might help. Reschedule the InterviewLogically, the best thing to do is to explain the situation, and reschedule the interview as soon as you know you can’t make it. Explain that you have a real interest in this job; however, you don’t think it would be in anyone’s interest to spread your germs. Ask for the interview to be rescheduled when you know you will be well. While you could contact the recruiter by email, a phone call is more personable and would give you the opportunity to ask for a new appointment without waiting for a response. According to one rec ruiter, it is appreciated when an individual with an appointment expresses concern because of illness and doesn’t want to spread his or her germs. Make the most use of your time by reviewing these 10 toughest interview questions and be extra prepared.Remember to Send a Thank YouGood manners always matter, and it can be a good idea to send an email or note thanking the recruiter and confirming the new appointment. In this way, you will be starting off on a positive note when your new appointment rolls around.When You Aren’t ContagiousSometimes, you may come down with a rash or have a runny nose that is really more of an inconvenience than an illness, and you know you can still do the interview. Should you reschedule? It can be a good idea to reschedule if you are sneezing, have a rash in a visible location or are wiping your nose frequently. While you know you aren’t contagious, it is a distraction and can prevent the recruiter from concentrating on your response s to questions.Go When You Are at Your BestSuppose you are getting over a cold or taking medication for an illness that makes your brain foggy. This is not the best time to go for a job interview since you want to be in prime condition to make a positive impression, and you may give less than complete answers to questions or appear less than alert. This is also one of those times you may want to beg off due to illness, and ask for a new appointment. You have one chance for a first interview and want to shine.Use the Extra Time to PrepareIf you aren’t feeling completely miserable, you can use the extra time until your new interview date to prepare. Practice in front of the mirror until you have your answers the way you want, and keep your responses short and to the point. We have put together a guide on the 10 toughest interview questions. Feel free to go through it and learn some of the best answers. In addition, keep your body language in mind. You want to appear relaxed and in control.What to Do if the Recruiter is BookedOccasionally, a recruiter cannot reschedule an interview because of time limits for hiring, because the schedule is full or for other reasons. In this case, ask if the recruiter could conduct the interview via Skype or another option. While it is not ideal, it is better than missing the interview entirely. Remember when being interviewed remotely that you still want to prepare in advance, and dress as you would for an in-person interview.Being at your best for an interview is important, and using a better way to conduct a job search can get you into interviews faster and offer more job opportunities than searching yourself. TheJobNetwork lets you fill out your qualifications and the jobs that interest you. Our job search site will do the work for you, letting you know when a position becomes available. Sign up for job match alert and get started looking for the perfect job.