Cuban Revolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cuban Revolution - Essay Example The Cuban Revolution immediately won the support of the masses and, indeed, the revolutionary leaders' popularity only increased, and expanded to include Latin American populations, as a result of political rhetoric which emphasised Cuban independence from US domination and the imperatives of adopting socialism to improve the socio-economic status of the majority (Sweig, 2004). Indeed, in assessing the causes of the Cuban Revolution and the reasons for its success, it is important to highlight the political and economic background. Politically, Cuba, as was the case with Latin American nations in general, had little autonomy and independence from Spain had not led to full-fledged sovereignty but to domination by the United States. Economically, the majority suffered from chronic and absolute poverty while a minority commanded and owned much of the nation's wealth and resources. The fact that the Cuban Revolution was motivated by the aforementioned conditions and determined their reve rsal ensured its popularity in both Cuba and Latin America. Indeed, the majority of the Cuban populace embraced Castro and his guerrillas, who appeared as young idealists. As rebel soldiers made their way to Havana they were welcomed as conquering heroes by throngs of local villagers who lined the roads and cheered the troops as they passed (Sweig, 2004). Proceeding from the above stated, it is evident that the United States' policies towards Cuba are among the most significant of the revolution's causes. Before 1959 the history of U.S.-Cuban relations played out in the context of U.S. hegemony over the island. Though previous administrations had resisted U.S. influence, few had rejected it outright (Perez-Stable, 1998). Indeed, throughout the history of U.S.-Cuban relations the Cuban elite, those of European origin whose wealth tied them to U.S. interests, had actively welcomed U.S. dominance. Thus, Cubans themselves, especially the elite class, together with U.S. policymakers were responsible for stifling Cuban nationalism and for providing the atmosphere in which the revolutionary government of Fidel Castro fundamentally changed the course of Cuban history and of Cuban-U.S. relations (Perez-Stable, 1998). Before Castro, U.S. officials had worked closely with Cuban leaders. Prior to the U.S. intervention in the Cuban War for Independence many Cubans actively sought U.S. rule. The Cuban elite feared the establishment of a truly democratic republic, or in their words, a Negro Republic (Perez-Stable, 1998). They played on U.S. racial fears and cultural stereotypes, marginalizing their own countrymen. The United States wanted to maintain the status quo and unfettered access to the Cuban economy; the Cuban elites wanted stability and to continue to reap the financial rewards of close ties with U.S. business interests. The Cuban elite also wanted power for themselves. Hence, after Spain surrendered to the United States, some members of the Cuban elite embraced U.S. control over their nation (Perez-Stable,

Coursework Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Coursework - Assignment Example Starting April 2016, the 3% supplement for diesel cars will be scrapped (Deloitte, 2012). The other important adjustments that have been made include exclusion of certain security enhancement, which will not be considered henceforth, as accessories when estimating the benefit’s corresponding to the cash value in respect to company cars used for private purpose. These adjustments will be put into force from 6 April 2011 and will be applied retrospectively. Private fuel benefit The benefit’s cash equivalent in respect to free fuel offered to employees will increase because the multiplier used to estimate them will be increased from ?18,800 to ?20,200, a change that took effect from April 2012. Furthermore, this multiplier will further increase by 2 percent above the inflation rate, taking effect from 2013 up to 2014. Capital allowances and lease rental restriction There shall be an extension (up to April 2015) of the time through which 100 percent of capital allowances fo r the initial year are allowed on car expenses. Nonetheless, starting April 2013, the emissions measurement will drop off from 110g/km to 95g/km; in addition, this measurement will be incorporated into the main pool and charged 18 percent per annum instead of 8 percent special rate pool, which will drop off from 160g/km to 130g/km. In this regards, tax relief extended to employers will be pegged on the lease rentals for cars whose emission exceeds 130 g/km (limited at 15%) (Deloitte, 2012). Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) The VED increase was aligned with the Retail Prices Index (RPI) as of April 2012. However, the Government expressed interest in repealing the calculation of VED over the medium term based on the views gathered from motoring groups (Deloitte, 2012). QUESTION TWO Petrol driven 5 door hatchback, with CO2 emissions of 139g/km Employee benefit from car = ?18,000* 85/100*40/100*18/100 = ?1,101.60 Since the employee is provided with fuel for private use of the company car, this benefit will be taxed. The value to be taxed is pegged on the engine’s fuel efficiency. The percentage charge for this benefit is the same as for the car benefit and, therefore, it will be calculated as follows: . ?20,200*40/100*18/100 = ?1,454.4 The total cost to the manager is ?1,101.60 +?1,454.4 = ?2,556 Although the fuel benefits have attracted some tax, I would urge the manager accept petrol for private motoring, which is provided by his employer because this will lead to some other benefits. These benefits, which are not additionally taxed include insurance, repairs, maintenance and servicing, Membership of a motoring organization, and road tax. Ideally, the cash value of these benefits is more than the car tax paid due to the fuel used for private purpose. As such, the employee will get at least ?600 per annum depending on the reliability of the vehicle. However, if the manager is sure that refusing to take the fueling benefit will not lead to insurance increases, the n they can as well opt to do away with the benefit. Cost to the employer Capital allowances Twenty per cent is claimed on the written-down cost every year; therefore, the following capital allowances will be claimed for the year ending 31st March 2013: The car does not fall under low-emission category since it exceeds 110g/km of CO2 and, therefore, the 110 per cent deduction for the first