Chapter 29, Student Web Activities, The American Republic Since 1877, Glencoe, 2003

Social Studies, The American Republic Since 1877

Chapter 29: Latin America, 1945–Present
"Fidel Castro"

Introduction
Until recently, Fidel Castro received little coverage in the American news media. The visit by Pope John Paul II to Cuba in 1998 created an unprecedented opportunity for Castro to attract media attention. In this activity you will read an interview Castro conducted with the CNN television network shortly after the Pope's visit.

Destination Title: Newsmaker Profiles of Fidel Castro

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Directions

Go to the CNN Web site Newsmaker Profiles of Fidel Castro.

Read the details of Fidel Castro's career as a young revolutionary and as leader of Cuba, taking notes as you read.
Read the Newsmaker Profiles of Fidel Castro.

After you have read the material, answer the following questions.

1. What was Castro's original plan for becoming politically active in Cuba? How did he respond when that plan did not work?

2. What are the main changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba referred to by the interviewer?

3. What is Castro's main point about the reporting of the Pope's visit by the news media in Cuba?

4. Which statement by the Pope during his visit to Cuba does Castro regard as particularly important?

5. This interview covered only a narrow range of topics. What additional questions would you have asked Fidel Castro? Based on what you have learned in your textbook and on the Web site, on a separate piece of paper create a list of 5 interview questions to ask Castro. Ask at least one question on an economic issue, one question on a foreign policy issue, and one question on domestic Cuban policies. Research recent Castro speeches and policy statements, using the Internet, and formulate detailed responses that you think Castro would have given to your questions.