Essay On Cuban Embargo

One reason the Cuban embargo was established and approved by John F. Kennedy on Feb. 3, 1962 was to reduce “the threat posed by its alignment with the Communist powers” (Kennedy). Previous to this proclamation, the Cuban Revolution – which resulted in Cuba confiscating and nationalizing American property in Cuba – and the Bay of Pigs invasion occurred. To nationalize is to takeover privately owned corporations, industries, or resources by a government without compensation ("What Is Nationalization? Definition and Meaning"). Cuba’s actions greatly upset the businesses involved and the American government increasing tensions and distrust between the two nations. In the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro and other guerrilla fighters – or fighters

In response, President Eisenhower cut sugar quotas in the US-controlled sugar Cuban sugar industry almost prepping them for a full embargo. At the Bay of Pigs Invasion on April 17, 1961 failed after only three days to lead to Kennedy’s full embargo on Feb. 7, 1962. In the 50 years since Kennedy enacted the embargo, a loss of about $1.126 trillion to Cuba’s economy has taken a toll on Cuban citizens and a heavy hit on Cuban economy (“UN urges end of US embargo on Cuba”). But in 1966, a Cuban Adjustment act passed by President Lyndon B. Johnson states that “refugees who have been in the country for 2 years or more can become permanent U.S. residents” (Johnson). This policy also entails that Cubans who flee from their home country and successfully reach the U.S., may apply to be naturalized a year after arriving. The embargo was restricted yet again on March 12, 1996 when the Helms-Burton Act was passed. This act laid out specifications for penalties and consequences for violating the embargo and set specific requirements and conditions Cuba would need to meet in order for the embargo to be