Rise Of Embargoes In The United States

An embargo is a government order placed in order to restrict commerce or exchange with a certain country. It is typically made due to unfavorable political or economic circumstances between nations. The restriction placed aims to isolates the country and cause problems for its government. This forces the restriction to act on the underlying issue. Throughout history the United States had placed embargoes on many different countries. One of the most know embargoes is the one that was placed on Cuba. The origins of the embargo go back to when Fidel Castro came to power in 1959. He lost support of the U.S. when he imposed heavy taxes on imports from the U.S. U.S. trade with Cuba decreased 20% in Castro's first year in power. Although the United States has had an ongoing embargo with Cuba, President Obama wants to lift the embargo and open relations with Cuba. Presidential candidates like Trump and Hillary Clinton also have views on opening trade with Cuba. …show more content…
In 1959, Fidel Castro along with other revolutionaries seized power in Havana. They overthrew Fulgencio Batista. The United States recognized Castro’s government although he had communist views. When Castro's regime began to increase trade with the Soviet Union, nationalize U.S.-owned properties, and hike taxes on American imports, the U.S.retaliated. They placed taxes on sugar imports and instituted a ban on almost all exports to Cuba. This was later expanded into a full economic embargo that involved travel restrictions as