CUBA: Area Handbook for Cubaby Howard I Blustein et al. 1971. 505p Cuba's economy was historically dominated by sugar and tobacco, with limited industrial development. The 19th century saw the rise of nationalist movements that sought autonomy or independence from Spanish colonial rule, culminating in the Cuban War of Independence. Following the 1959 Revolution, significant land reforms were implemented, redistributing property and impacting medium sized farmers. By 1968, Cuba's