The Cold War forced the world to align with a superpower ideologically, economically and militarily.
the superpowers:
The superpowers of the world were the Soviet union (Russia) and America. They were they two greatest, and most powerful countries left after World War 2. Although they were the greatest, they disagreed on economic ideas, and military ideas. Since they were so powerful, they immediately sought out to become the best. With the two most powerful nations building tension, countries were given the choice to choose a side.
cuba's economic alignment with the soviet union
Cuba allied with the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union could benefit the Cubans because they offer an economy boost. After Spain left Cuba, Cuba lost all their economic support. Spain held their economy up, and with them gone, Cuba was forced to resort to a superpower. The Soviet Union gladly accepted Cuba, because of how close they were stationed to America.
ideological alignment
Cuba supports communism, as does the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union benefited from this because their movement was to promote this idea of communism. With the soviets happy that they have gained a strong ally, the Cubans were glad that they have met the standards of Russia, and that they wont be left behind again.
Cuban propaganda photo.
Cuban propaganda photo.
military alignment
After the Soviets defeated America at the Bay of Pigs, an invasion launched by America, the Soviets concluded that America was not a threat. With this mindset, the Soviets set up 42 missile sites in Cuba, just off the coast of America. This scared America gravely, and they threatened the Soviets to fall back from Cuba, or be invaded. As tension rises between the superpowers, and the Soviets not moving, America was preparing troops in Florida. Eventually, the Soviets fall back, possibly preventing a nuclear disaster. This event, the Cuban Missile Crisis, shows that Cuba was so in need of support, that they allowed the Soviet Union to plant their military missiles in their country just for an economic benefit.