Kentucky, September 5 (RHC) -- Western Kentucky University began an International Year of Cuba on Tuesday with two history professors offering students a glimpse into the island’s past and present.

Associate Professor Marc Eagle, who led the presentations, noted that the story of Cuba and the U.S. is one dominated by misunderstandings. The U.S. has continually misunderstood Cuba, he said

“The U.S. got involved in the war in Cuba in the late 1800s seeking to test its Navy, a desire to protect its investments on the island, and a longing for annexation. But for Cuban rebels hoping to forge a new, multi-racial Cuban identity, the feeling was that the Yankees came in and stole … their revolution,” he told a packed auditorium at the university’s Gary Ransdell Hall.

The event, called Cuba 101, kicked off a yearlong program with opportunities for students to learn about the country’s history and culture.