Digging up Cuba's history!

Cuba with the official name of the Republic of Cuba is the largest nation in the Caribbean. The nation is made up of over 4000 islands, however there is the main island and two major archipelagos; Jardines de la Reina and the Canarreos Archipelago.

   

In 1492, the notorious Christopher Columbus arrived in Cuba and the island was invaded by the Spaniards. Previously the islands were occupied by various groups and cultures who ended up dying off due to many reasons associated with the new arrivals and the unknown diseases they brought with them. Shortly after the discovery of the islands, they were declared as part of the Spanish Empire and were to be ruled by the Spanish governor.  

In 1868, marks the year of the first war towards gaining Cuba's independence. This war is known as the Ten Years' War and commenced in October and didn't subside until February of 1878. The uprise was stared by local planters and wealthy natives and led by a Cuban revolutionary hero, Carlos Manuel de Cespedes. Although the revolution did not succeed it ultimately led to Cuba gaining independence. 

In 1898, 20 years later after the first attempt at independence. The Spanish-American War began due to an explosion in Havana Harbor in Cuba, causing the U.S. to become apart of the Cuban War of independence; that had started in 1895 between Cuba and Spain. 

In 1902, Cuba formally gained its independence from Spain! History is very important and impacts today's traditions and cultures, such as food. Cuba was the last Spanish colony and has one of the strongest ties to Spain. Cuban food is a mixture of Native Taino, Spanish, and Caribbean cuisines resulting in flavorful and comforting food, like a  traditional plate of Ropa Vieja or Picadillo.

Countries I would like to use for the final project:

1. Dominican Republic

2. Haiti

3. Jamaica 

Sources:

https://www.thespruceeats.com/cuban-food-profile-2137859 

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ten-Years-War

https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/History/Cuba-history.htm

http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/1868.htm

https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/roosevelt-fights-in-spanish-american-war-video