Post-World War II: The Conflict with Communism

Communism vs. Capitalism

• Post-War Era: After WWII, the primary adversary for the U.S. was communism, particularly championed by the USSR.
• USSR's Influence: The USSR was a massive nation with intentions to export its system globally, backed by nuclear capabilities.
• Economic Systems:
  • Free Market Capitalism: Advocated by the U.S., promoting democracy and economic freedom.
  • Communism/Socialism: Promoted by the USSR, focused on collective effort for the common good.

Appeal of Socialism

• Great Depression Context: In the 1930s, communism appeared as an alternative to capitalism amidst economic hardships.
• Propaganda: Russian workers were portrayed as fully employed and happy, but this was misleading as bureaucrats controlled the economy.
• Collapse of Command Economies: Non-market economies eventually failed in Russia and others, yet some countries like Cuba still adhere to socialism.

Cuba's Economic Experimentation

Struggle and Adaptation

• Cuba's Situation:
  • Post-Soviet collapse left Cuba struggling but has since embraced tourism and foreign investment.
  • The duality of socialism coexisting with elements of capitalism is evident in its economy.

Tourism and Foreign Investment

• Economic Shift:
  • Tourism has become a significant source of revenue.
  • Joint ventures with international businesses have introduced foreign goods to Cuba.
  • U.S. embargo remains, but other countries invest in Cuba.

Socialism: Ideology vs. Reality

• Government Control:
  • Propaganda remains strong, with political messaging replacing commercial advertising.
  • The government still issues ration books for essentials.
• Mixed Economy:
  • Some sectors, such as agriculture, benefit from market incentives, improving productivity and quality.

Education and Ideological Training

Lenin High School

• Student Perspective:
  • Students express commitment to socialist ideals, resisting capitalist influences.
  • Changes towards market economy seen as necessary but temporary.

Market vs. Command Economy

• Market Incentives:
  • Free market initiatives have led to improved food production and quality.

Cultural and Economic Contrasts

Baseball and Market Dynamics

• Surface Socialism:
  • Publicly, Cuban athletes like Omar Linares express loyalty to the revolution.
  • Capitalist tendencies evident in audience behaviors at games.

Economic Disparities and Humor

• Social Change:
  • Jokes highlight the economic disparity between state-paid professionals and market-driven jobs.

Conclusion

• Ongoing Struggle:
  • Cuba continues to navigate the tension between socialism and global market forces.
  • The viability of socialism in the face of capitalism remains uncertain.