The Cuban Embargo

By Liam Plunkitt

  • Covert Action Against Cuba

    President Eisenhower approves plan including a "powerful propaganda campaign"; no more sugar, oil, arms, and the organization of a force of ex-Cubans to invade the island. Plan introduced to overthrow Castro.

  • The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961

    The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 passes in Congress, effectively banning all trade with Cuba, a complete embargo.

  • Kennedy Expands Embargo

    President Kennedy expands embargo on Cuban trade to anything that has any materials from Cuba - even if they were made in a different country.

  • Foreign Assistance Act Amended

    The Foreign Assistance Act is amended to state that the US is not offering any aid to countries that aid Cuba.

  • More Prohibitions

    Kennedy administration states that travel to Cuba and makes any trade with Cuba (commercial or financial) completely illegal for US citizens.

  • Robert Kennedy Tries Ending Embargo

    Roughly a month after John Kennedy's assassination, Robert Kennedy aims to end the embargo on Cuba in a memo to Dean Rusk, calling the Embargo "inconsistent with traditional American liberties." The memo is later discussed without RFK and George Ball dismisses the idea of lifting the embargo.

  • US Changes Sale and Trade Ideals

    US announces that they will allow "foreign subsidiaries" of US companies to sell products in Cuba and that foreign countries that trade with Cuba will no longer be penalized for it.

  • President Carter Allows Travel to Cuba

    President Carter changes laws to allow travel to Cuba and for US citizens to spend money in Cuba.

  • Cuban Americans Allowed to Visit

    Cuban-Americans are permitted to visit their families in Cuba.

  • Restricting Travel

    The Reagan administration once again denies the right for US citizens to travel to Cuba and once again bans the spending of money there.

  • Cuban Democracy Act

    Congress passes Cuban Democracy Act, prohibiting US based companies' subsidiaries trading with Cuba and travel to Cuba (including family visits).

  • Cuba Orders US to Pay 127 billion

    Cuban courts order the US to pay more than 127 billion dollars in response to the 40-year long embargo.

  • Cuba Policy Foundation's Poll

    The Cuba Policy Foundation release a poll in which the majority of Americans think that the embargo should be lifted, and Americans should be able to travel there.

  • 15 Straight Years for Ending Embargo

    For the 15th straight year, the UN General Assembly votes for ending the embargo with Cuba, 182 in favor, 4 against, and 1 abstention.

  • Freedom to Travel to Cuba

    Michael B Enzi explains to the Senate that the embargo is not hurting the intended audience (the government), only the people of Cuba. He states that it is time for a different policy.