| Keyword |
Description |
| Independent |
When a person or country can make their own choices and does not have to be controlled by someone else |
| Revolution |
A big and often fast change in a country’s government or way of life |
| Government |
The group of people who run a country, state, or city |
Cuba and Mexico are two Latin American countries that have known each other for a very long time. Long ago, both were controlled by Spain, and later they both had to deal with the power of the United States. Mexico became independent first, while Cuba stayed under Spain and then was strongly influenced by the U.S., which made it hard for Cuba to make its own choices. Over the years, many Cubans who were escaping dictators and problems in their country traveled to Mexico to find safety and support. Some famous Cuban revolutionaries, like Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, even lived in Mexico while they planned the Cuban Revolution.
During the Cold War, when the U.S. and the Soviet Union were rivals, many countries stopped talking to Cuba, but Mexico did not. Mexico said that Cuba had the right to choose its own government, even if the United States did not like it. Later, Mexico grew closer to the U.S., and its friendship with Cuba became weaker for a while. In recent years, however, Mexico and Cuba have tried to be closer again, making agreements about trade, tourism, and help during hard times. Today, Mexico even sends oil to Cuba, and both countries are trying to stay friends while living next to a very powerful neighbor to the north.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Independent |
Independiente |
| Revolution |
Revolución |
| Government |
Gobierno |
Time to discuss
- Should countries stay friends even when bigger countries disagree?
- Is it important for countries to help each other in hard times?
- Do you think Cuba and Mexico will stay friends in the future?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Why do you think Cuban leaders chose Mexico as a place to plan their revolution?
- How would you feel if your country had a very powerful neighbor trying to tell it what to do?
