Cuba 1898 to 1952

This episode is the first of a ten part series on Cuba and the Cuban Revolution. This episode deals with the American involvement in Cuba following the Spanish-American War, American business would dominate the Cuban economy. Cuba was damaged by dictators who governed Cuba, however by 1940 the country had a democratic government but it was overthrown in 1952 by Batista, his biography is given.

Dominican Republic

Perhaps the most brutal dictatorship in Latin America was in the Dominican Republic, it was governed for over thirty years by the repressive and murderous Rafael Trujillo. His biography is given, he became one of the richest men in the world due to his corruption. The country agony would not be ended by his death, by 1965 a democratic left wing government had been removed in a coup and that would led to a revolt and the American Government sending in troops and Marines to restore order.

To be published on Saturday 21st October

Latin America

A survey of the political climate in the countries of Latin America between 1945 and 1965. It is largely a story of political coups, misrule and repression. Democracy would be taken up only to be crushed in a military coup. A biography of leader of Argentina after the second world war Peron and his relationship with his wife Evita, who is known widely known by the musical and film named after her. Also a talk on the civil war in Guatemala.

Central America

A look at American involvement in Central America in the early part of the 20th Century. Then a more detailed look at the American involvement in the Costa Rican Civil War which saw the removal of a dictator and the creation of a successful democratic country, which Costa Rica still is. Also the American CIA involvement in Guatemala, which saw the overthrow of a democratic elected left wing Government and its replacement with a dictator.

Allan Dulles and the CIA

After the Second World War, the American Government set up the Central Intelligence Agency commonly known as the CIA. During the Korean War, it performed poorly. Allan Dulles was appointed the director of the CIA, his biography is given, The CIA not only undertook spying but helped overthrow Governments in Iran and Central American. It also carried trails on mind altering drugs such as LSD.

Eisenhower and the Korean War

Eisenhower won the 1952 election to be the American President, promising to bring the Korean War to an end. Eisenhower would visit South Korea tp speak with American military commanders and meet with South Korean President Rhee, who would prove to be an obstacle in obtaining an end of the war. The death of Stalin in March 1953, opened the way to real peace talks to end the Korean War. The Korean War would make President Eisenhower very cautious about further American military involvement.