In the late 1950s, Cubans wanted a change. The military dictatorship of General Fulgencio Batista had truncated the democratic process established by the 1940 Constitution and violated civic and political rights. There was inequality and pockets of poverty, especially in the countryside, but despite this the island enjoyed a significant level of economic freedom and prosperity, and sustained economic growth seemed inevitable. The change brought by Fidel Castro in 1959 was not what Cubans expected. In a matter of three years, the Castro regime transformed a reasonably working market economy into a socialist one, leading the island down a long path of growing destitution. This book describes that transformation step by step, decree by decree, sector by sector of the economy. It is an indispensable source to understand an important moment in Cuban history, and the nature and consequences of the wholesale State takeover of a country's economy. 

This event is free and open to the public. To confirm your attendance, please write cri@fiu.edu or call (305) 348–1991.

*Please note that this event will be held in Spanish.