174. The Cuban Revolution

The podcast explores the history of Cuba and its relationship with America, questioning whether the US has had an empire. It highlights the early decimation of Cuba's indigenous population and the subsequent reliance on slave labor for sugar production after Haiti's slave revolution. The discussion covers American politicians' long-standing interest in Cuba, including attempts to purchase it and the Platt Amendment, which granted the U.S. significant control over Cuban affairs. The podcast further examines Fulgencio Batista's rise and fall, as well as Fidel Castro's background, rise to power, and initial non-communist leanings, suggesting that American intervention pushed him towards communism and the USSR.