U.S. Interest in Cuba: Geography, Economics, Cold War Politics, and Migration

The United States sought strong influence in Cuba for multiple strategic reasons:

1. Geographic proximity – 90 miles from Florida; controls maritime approaches.
2. Economic interests – Pre-1959: massive U.S. investment in sugar, tobacco, mining.
3. Political sphere (Monroe Doctrine) – Keep Cuba aligned with U.S., not rival powers.
4. Anti-communism – Post-1959: Castro's Soviet alignment seen as hemispheric threat.
5. Protection of U.S. citizens – Large American expat community pre-revolution.
6. Migration management – Control refugee/migrant flows to U.S. shores.

These factors drove interventions, embargoes, and ongoing policy focus.