History of Cuba and Puerto Rico: 1868-Present

The year 1868 marked the start of the independence movement of Cuba and Puerto Rico. By the beginning of the twentieth century Cuba had secured independence while Puerto Rico had become an American colony. In this class we will examine the similarities and differences in the political, socioeconomic, and cultural development of these two island nations from the founding of the independence movement to hurricane Maria. We will pay attention to the development of the concept of nationhood, the role of intellectuals and artists in creating community, and how each nation navigated its relationship to the US government, its migrant communities, and other Caribbean states. 3 hrs. lect.