Los anos duros : the experience of young Cuban political exiles arriving in the United States between 1959-1962, an oral history

Abstract

Cuban political exiles who arrived in the United States in the first few years following the assumption of power by Fidel Castro in 1959 shared a unique experience of cultural transition. These individuals who usually shared a background of affluence and conservatism were forced to leave their property behind in Cuba, and often assumed menial jobs in the United States due to the language barrier. The children of these exiles received their education in the United States and have been fully assimilated into this culture. Today, they occupy a variety of professions, and generally account for the high socioeconomic status of Cubans among Hispanics living in the United States. The unique experience of this younger generation of Cubans, including their family's struggles and their experience as young immigrants trying to assimilate has been analyzed in a series of interviews, and presented as an oral history. In presenting the words of these individuals as they reflect on the first years of cultural transition, the human aspect of this event in history is revealed, and a contribution is made to the overall study of Cuban migration in the United States.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2002

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Fernandez, Jose B.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Program

History

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic;Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences;Cuban Americans -- Florida -- Miami;Cubans -- Florida;Cubans -- United States -- History

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0021707

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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