The Cuba Libre Story Season 1 Episode 6 Of Soviets and Saviors

Of Soviets and Saviors is the sixth and final episode of season 1 of The Cuba Libre Story. This episode takes a closer look at Cuba's relationship with the Soviet Union and the role that the country played in the Cuban Revolution.

The episode begins by discussing the aftermath of the Bay of Pigs invasion and how it affected Cuban-US relations. The US was angered by Fidel Castro's alliance with the Soviet Union and began a campaign to isolate Cuba, implementing a trade embargo and severing diplomatic ties.

The episode then delves into the history of Soviet-Cuban relations, from the first Soviet ambassador's visit to Cuba in 1960 to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Viewers learn about the various ways in which the Soviet Union provided aid to Cuba, including economic and military assistance. However, this aid came with a cost, as Cuba had to align itself with Soviet foreign policy and support the Soviet Union in international affairs.

The episode also explores the role of Che Guevara in the Cuban Revolution and his relationship with the Soviet Union. Che was a strong believer in Marxist ideology and saw the Soviet Union as a model for Cuba to follow. He traveled to the Soviet Union in 1960 to meet with Soviet leaders and study Soviet-style socialism.

Of Soviets and Saviors then shifts its focus to the impact of Soviet influence on Cuban society. The episode examines the Soviet-style reforms that were implemented in Cuba, such as collectivization of agriculture and the nationalization of private industry. While these reforms led to some successes, such as increased literacy rates and healthcare access, they also created new problems, such as shortages of basic necessities.

The episode concludes by examining the fall of the Soviet Union and its impact on Cuba. Viewers learn about the "special period" that occurred in the 1990s, when Cuba's economy suffered greatly due to the loss of Soviet aid. The episode discusses how the Cuban government responded to this crisis by implementing new economic reforms and opening up the country to foreign investment.

Overall, Of Soviets and Saviors provides a detailed look at the complex relationship between Cuba and the Soviet Union during and after the Cuban Revolution. Viewers gain a better understanding of how Soviet influence shaped Cuban society and the challenges that Cuba faced when the Soviet Union collapsed.