Pilot Lecture: A Brief History of Cuba

Course Overview

Course No. 90187

Discover the rich cultural heritage and enduring contradictions of the island nation of Cuba, from the arrival of Columbus in 1492 to the 21st century.

How does a nation as small as Cuba punch so far above its weight class on the political stage? Why does an island so close to the US feel so culturally and politically far away? What can Cuba’s tumultuous past tell us about its burgeoning future?

Join Dr. Rosana Resende of the University of Florida to explore these questions and more in A Brief History of Cuba. From Spanish settlement in the 15th century to the wars for independence in the 1800s to the Cuban Missile Crisis and beyond, you’ll discover:

• The major events that shaped Cuba’s complex identity
• Cultural upheavals that made Cuba a polarizing nation
• How Cuba’s proximity to the US influenced its development
• Insights into Cuba’s political struggles and future potential

Video Lecture

01: A Brief History of Cuba (38 min)

Lying a mere 90 miles from Florida, Cuba’s proximity to the US has shaped its history across the centuries. Join Dr. Rosana Resende for this deep dive into the history, culture, and political struggles of an island nation that is so much more than it first appears.