On this day in 1902, Cuba became an independent country.
On this histroric day, I recall my grandmother telling me stories of celebrations, parties, Cuban flags hanging from windows and a general sense of happiness around the island. She was born in 1892 when Cuba was still a Spanish colony.
Of course, independence did not fix Cuba’s problems. The island went through several ups and downs, government changes and the communist takeover of 1959.
Cuba did enjoy a lot of success in the first half of the 20th century. The island nation achieved macro-economic success, from per capita income to literacy. Unfortunately, Cuba’s political problems made it difficult for country to enjoy a stable political climate.
Maybe Cuba will eventually celebrate another independence day as a democratic country. We hope so!
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