Part 3/10:
As the 20th century dawned, a new actor emerged in the Caribbean's narrative: the United States. Following its victory in the Spanish-American War, the US laid claim to the Caribbean under the Monroe Doctrine. This self-proclaimed role of "protector" often led to military interventions rather than support for self-determination, sowing seeds of resentment among the local populations.
The Spark: Cuban Revolution
The defining moment that would catapult the Caribbean into the throes of Cold War conflict began with Cuba's revolution in 1959. Fidel Castro emerged as a young rebel seeking to fight against the US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista. After a successful guerilla campaign, Batista’s regime collapsed, and Cuba embraced communism, forging a close alliance with the Soviet Union.