colonization, globalization and development differently than any other Latin American country. In Cuba, the occurrence of these stages has been more recent, stable and progressive. Cuba functioned as a colonial state under the overpowering United States government until Fidel Castro’s revolution of 1958. The eventual break in trade relations between the United States and Cuba has caused the unusual evolution of globalization due to the trade embargoes imposed on Cuban exports. The abnormal progress of Cuba in such ways has led to Cuba’s unique state of being a developed, third world country. 14

In the past 43 years of the Revolution, Cuba’s movement toward development has been exceptional. Castro’s emphasis on the necessity of a developmental infrastructure has led to a highly functioning and educated society. Although Cuba isrestrained by extreme economic difficulties that cause (or are caused by) irregularities in the governmental system, the population of the small archipelago is literate, healthy, fed, and housed. This social security has created a rather patriotic civil society, Cuba’s strongest and most admirable quality. 15

The relative unification and pride that Cubans feel for their country was fostered by the United States colonization prior to the Revolution. During the United States occupation of Cuba, in the beginning of the twentieth century, the development experienced was contrary to that of a sustainable concept. The United States intervention in Cuba caused a dichotomy in the existing cultures; there were those who were privileged with dollars (all too frequently only the U.S. Americans and diplomats) and those who were left out of