Havana in the Atlantic World

Havana's strategic role in imperial trade and its extensive fortification system, shaped significantly by the British siege of 1762-1763, highlight its complex development as a cosmopolitan hub. The city's economic transformation, dominated first by sugar production and later by tourism, reflects its evolving global significance. Post-revolutionary policies in 1959 redirected resources away from Havana, leading to urban decline, while UNESCO recognition in 1982 spurred restoration efforts. Despite economic crises following the Soviet collapse and recent challenges like natural disasters and pandemics, Havana's historical layers—from colonial fortifications to modern infrastructure—remain a testament to its enduring influence as Cuba's political and cultural capital.

Jennings, E. (2014). Havana in the Atlantic World. Oxford Bibliographies in Atlantic History. https://doi.org/10.1093/obo/9780199730414-0239