US High School Economics class: Rare protests break out in Cuba amid electricity and food shortages
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Click to read the article below and then answer the questions:
Rare protests break out in Cuba amid electricity and food shortages
Discussion Questions
What specific examples of shortages are mentioned in the article, and how do they affect the daily lives of Cuban citizens?
How has the Cuban government responded to the criticism regarding the shortages, as mentioned in the article?
What happened to internet services in Cuba following the circulation of protest videos on social media?
What has been the US embassy’s stance on the protests in Cuba?
How has the Cuban government responded to the economic crisis in terms of policy changes, and what has been the impact on the population?
What is the significance of Cuba requesting food aid from the UN’s World Food Programme, and how does it reflect on the government’s previous stance?
Compare the protests in 2021 to the current protests in terms of scale, government response, and underlying causes
Extended Learning
INSTRUCTIONS: Watch the following video Economic Systems and Macroeconomics: Crash Course Economics (10:17) and answer the following questions:
Describe the concept of the “invisible hand” in a market economy, as explained in the video
What are some problems associated with a command economy, as suggested by the video?
What is the circular flow model, and how does it illustrate the interactions in a mixed economy?
Given Cuba’s struggles with food and electricity shortages and the contrast between market and command economies highlighted in the video, explain why market economies have historically been better at meeting societal needs. Use examples from both the article and video to support your response.
Joel Miller and James Redelsheimer, Foundation for Economic Education.
Click here for FEE FT Classroom Edition with classroom-ready presentations and suggested answers for teacher.
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