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Castro and Cuba Webquest

1.Watch the video on Fidel Castro. Explain who he was and how he changed the government of Cuba.

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2. Review what Communism is at BrainPop. Fill out the T-chart highlighting at least 4 differences between Communism and our democratic government.

Communism / Democracy

3.  Read the following article from Junior Scholastic about the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Complete the following paragraph:

The United States was afraid that the ______was storing missiles on the island of Cuba, so President ______decided to set up a naval ______around Cuba to block the passage of ships. On Oct. 24, 1962, the ships turned around and sailed away. It was considered perhaps the most dangerous episode in the ______.

4.  Read the Scholastic article on Castro’s retirement. How long was Fidel Castro the leader of Cuba? Who is the leader now?

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Extension Activity: Embargo Debate

The United States established a trade embargo against Cuba in 1960. This meant that the U.S. refused to trade goods with Cuba because they were a communist country that did not treat its citizens “fairly.” The laws passed in the U.S. prohibit any U.S. citizens from doing business in Cuba. Cuba must also pay cash (instead of credit) for any goods imported from the U.S. Penalties for violating the trade embargo include possible jail time up to 10 years, $1 million dollar corporate fine, or a $250,000 individual fine.

Some critics argue that the U.S. could make $1.2 billion dollars a year if we traded with Cuba. They also argue that Cubans do not have access to the food or medicines that could be easily bought from the U.S.

Other people say that the U.S. should not support a country that does not allow its people basic freedoms or rights.

Read through some of the websites linked on the homework blog for today. What do YOU think? Should the United States end the embargo on Cuba or not? Write a paragraph explaining your opinon and supporting your opinion with facts. You may use the websites for facts, but your opinion and facts must be in your own words.

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