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💃latin american history – 1791 to present review

Cuban American National Foundation

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Cuban American National Foundation (CANF) is a prominent organization established in 1981 that advocates for the interests of Cuban Americans, particularly in relation to U.S.-Cuba policy and promoting democracy in Cuba. The foundation emerged during the Cold War, reflecting the political climate and the tensions between the United States and Cuba, as well as the Cuban American community's efforts to influence U.S. foreign policy towards their homeland.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The CANF was founded by a group of Cuban Americans, including Jorge Mas Canosa, to unify the Cuban exile community and lobby for U.S. policies that would support democracy in Cuba.
  2. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, CANF played a significant role in shaping U.S. policy towards Cuba, particularly during debates surrounding the embargo and travel restrictions.
  3. The organization is known for its strong anti-Castro stance and has been influential in mobilizing political support among Cuban Americans for initiatives aimed at overthrowing the Cuban government.
  4. CANF has also focused on issues such as property restitution for exiled Cubans who lost their assets after the revolution, advocating for legislation to assist these individuals.
  5. In recent years, CANF has shifted some of its focus towards human rights issues within Cuba and fostering dialogue about potential reforms in U.S.-Cuba relations.

Review Questions

  • How did the establishment of the Cuban American National Foundation reflect the broader experiences and challenges faced by the Cuban exile community?
    • The establishment of the Cuban American National Foundation mirrored the experiences of Cuban exiles who sought to maintain their cultural identity while advocating for political change in Cuba. After fleeing oppression under Castro, these exiles faced challenges such as integrating into American society while keeping their heritage alive. The CANF became a platform for this community to unite their voices, influence U.S. foreign policy, and push for democracy in their homeland, encapsulating their struggle and resilience.
  • Evaluate the impact of the Cuban American National Foundation on U.S.-Cuba relations during the Cold War era.
    • During the Cold War era, the Cuban American National Foundation significantly impacted U.S.-Cuba relations by actively lobbying for policies that reflected its anti-Castro stance. The organization used its political connections to promote legislation that maintained strict embargoes against Cuba and sought to pressure the U.S. government into taking a harder line on Castro’s regime. This advocacy not only shaped public opinion but also reinforced a narrative that prioritized supporting exiled Cubans while opposing communism, thus influencing U.S. diplomatic strategies during a critical period.
  • Analyze how changing dynamics within both U.S.-Cuba relations and the priorities of the Cuban American National Foundation have evolved since its inception.
    • Since its inception, the Cuban American National Foundation has navigated changing dynamics in U.S.-Cuba relations, from staunchly opposing any rapprochement with Castro's government to adapting its approach as new political contexts emerged. Initially focused on outright opposition to Castro's regime, CANF's priorities have shifted toward addressing human rights issues within Cuba and advocating for property restitution for exiled Cubans. As diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba fluctuated over time, especially during periods of thawing relations under different administrations, CANF's strategies evolved, reflecting broader shifts in both domestic sentiment among Cuban Americans and international diplomacy.