QuickTake: The Big Thaw, Why the U.S. Warmed Up to Cuba

The video discusses the complex relationship between the US and Cuba, highlighting the historical context of the Cold War and the trade embargo imposed by the US in 1961. It explains the resumption of diplomatic relations in 2015, facilitated by a prisoner swap and policy changes by President Obama. The video also covers the ongoing debate about lifting the trade embargo, with arguments for and against normalization of relations.

What event led to the US severing relations with Cuba in 1961?

• The signing of the NAFTA agreement

• The fall of the Berlin Wall

• The Cuban Missile Crisis

• Cuba's alliance with the Soviet Union

In what year did the US and Cuba formally resume diplomatic relations?

• 2005

• 2015

• 2010

• 2020

Which action did Cuba take as part of the diplomatic thaw with the US?

• Released 53 political prisoners

• Closed its borders to US citizens

• Increased tariffs on US goods

• Joined the European Union

What did Obama want to achieve regarding the US trade embargo on Cuba?

• Expand it to other countries

• Ignore it

• Lift it completely

• Strengthen it

What was a concern of opponents regarding the normalization of US-Cuba relations?

• It would increase US tariffs

• It would cause a financial crisis

• It would lead to a new Cold War

• It would strengthen a dictatorship