Question.1214 - Reading Response 4: Knight, part 2 "Caribbean nation-building" No unread replies.No replies. Post a response to Week 4 reading the chapters 7 through 11 of Franklin Knight's book, The Caribbean: Genesis of a Fragmented Nationalism. Write between 500 and 600 words (80% credit): Give a summary of the book: who? what? when? where? What are the basic ideas? (20%) Give your critical (and personal) reaction to the readings. Which things do you agree with? Which do you disagree with? What did you learn that was new? (20%). What do you think of Knight's distinction between 'settler' colonies, and 'exploitative' colonies? What do you think he left out? Did he demonstrate any biases regarding Caribbean history? (20%).
Answer Below:
Survey of the Caribbean Considering the assigned chapters, which collectively explore the Caribbean history spanning from the standpoint of nation-building in Haiti and the Dominican Republic with dynamic shifts and influence from political and economic disruptions as seen in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth Caribbean - showcasing the impact of imperialism rooted it ways through how political structure operated, one positive outcome seen through the development would be infusion of democracy that instilled political stability. Geography could be seen as one of the important factors contributing in terms of the strategic position of Cuba during its maritime transportation's sail-driven era by delineating Cuba's growth into a significant port city by the late eighteenth century, surpassing its Caribbean rivals in population and economic importance. The narrative extends into the late 19th century, depicting the multifaceted crisis in Cuba, marked by factions seeking various outcomes, and the subsequent eruption of the second war of independence in 1895. The intervention of the United States in the conflict and the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1898 marked a crucial turning point, albeit one that did not result in Cuba's political independence. The chapters then transition into an analysis of the Cuban revolution with an unsettling political tussle between the United States and the Soviet Union, covering phases from the liquidation of capitalist enterprises to the consolidation after 1980. It acknowledges the achievements of the revolution, not only in socio-economic terms but also in instilling national pride and a sense of regional identification in Cubans. The discussion extends to the revolution's lasting influence, emphasizing its flexibility and pragmatism, which challenges predictions of its demise. The narrative shifts to Puerto Rico, detailing its political and economic challenges, including the quest for independence and associated movements. It assesses the impact of the United States interventions, including the failed attempt to overthrow the Castro government and the Alliance for Progress announced by President Kennedy in 1961. Despite economic challenges, Puerto Rico managed to hold its own against great odds. In the exploration of the Commonwealth Caribbean, the text delves into the colonial legacies, the development of education systems by various denominations, and the emergence of labor movements. It highlights the transformative impact of public education on the urban poor and the subsequent rise of labor unions. Critical Reaction: Agreements: The depiction of Cuba's early importance due to its strategic location and the subsequent analysis of the Cuban revolution provides profound insights into the socio-political dynamics of the region, particularly during the late 1930s period that experienced an economic downturn with the surge in population with higher percentage from fifteen-year-olds, that reflected in politics experiencing the generational shift, within the next years the public law 600 was approved, leading to the establishment of Estado Libre Asociado (Associated Free State, or Commonwealth) obtaining control over their autonomy in domestic matters.? Disagreements: Although historical developments outweigh the struggles, the impact of external interventions in Cuba could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of cultural and social dynamics in individual Caribbean nationals; though commonwealth status was achieved, complete independence was lacking. New Learnings: The emphasis on the role of geography in shaping Cuba's early development and the detailed exploration of labor movements during the Great Depression offers new perspectives that enrich the understanding of Caribbean history. Knight's Distinction between 'Settler' and 'Exploitative' Colonies: Serves as a valuable analytical framework, shedding light on the varied trajectories of Caribbean nations; However, it is essential to recognize the potential oversimplification of complex historical dynamics within this categorization. Biases and Omissions: Although it is comprehensive, it might contain biases in the selection of topics or perspectives. A more critical examination of external interventions and a more inclusive representation of diverse voices within the Caribbean could enhance the overall historical narrative. References Knight, F. W. (2012). The Caribbean: The genesis of a fragmented nationalism. Oxford University Press.More Articles From History
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