This book presents a comprehensive history of the political economy of Cuba from 1492 to the present day. It chronologically analyses the major economic, social and political transformations that have occurred in Cuba and explores the impact on the country’s development over the long run.

The first section analyses the period from 1492 to 1898, from colonial conquest to the war of independence. The next two sections cover the history of Cuba’s economy and society up to the end of the twentieth century, examining in detail US imperialist domination, guerrilla warfare (1956-1958) and the Cuban Revolution from 1959 to the fall of the Soviet Union in 1990-1991. The final part analyses Cuba’s economy and society in transition up to the present day. Written in a comprehensive academic style while maintaining a focus on the perspectives and experience of ordinary citizens throughout, the book will be of interest to a wide readership including scholars of economic history, political and social history, development economics and political economy.