# Uncertain Political Future of Cuba in To Cuba and Back

> Theme guide for To Cuba and Back by Richard Henry Dana Jr..

Dana explores the debates over Cuba's potential paths—independence, annexation to the U.S., or continued Spanish rule—weighing the island's lack of self-governing experience against its internal racial and social divisions.

## Where it surfaces

- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/viii): The Thirty Millions Bill dominates conversation among clergy and merchants, highlighting fears of U.S. annexation and Cuba's uncertain fate.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xv): The mention of the Thirty Millions Bill's failure reflects the uncertain political status of Cuba in relation to the United States.
- [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xxiii): Exploration of independence, annexation, and protectorate, with conflicting views among Cubans, Spaniards, and foreigners.
- [Political Condition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/political-condition): The chapter highlights the lack of legislative assembly, the suppression of popular liberties, and the heavy military presence, pointing to an uncertain and oppressive political future for Cuba.
- [Slavery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/slavery): The labor question and slavery's future are described as a 'black cloud' over the West Indies, with uncertainty about government action and potential insurrection.
- [Material Resources—Education](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/material-resources-education): The narrator extensively analyzes Cuba's prospects for self-government, concluding that its internal divisions and lack of experience make independence unlikely.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/themes/political_future
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/themes