After a short period of détente during the first years of the Carter Administration, Cuban-US relations deteriorate with the increased aggressiveness of US policy at the end of that Administration.

With Reagan ascension into power, aggressions against Cuba increased to the highest point. The US government intensifies espionage against Cuba with the creation of Radio and TV Martí. Military maneuvers, rehearsals of air raids and attempts to get sanctions against Cuba in the UN Human Rights Commission are some of the activities carried put by the US. Even the possibility of a new direct military aggression was considered.

Cuba’s response was the upgrading and perfecting of the overall defense system of the country and the preparation for all events under the concept of "the War of All the People."

Essentially, it consists in that each Cuban should have a position and a means in the struggle against a possible imperialist aggression. For this, the people are organized into Territorial Militia Troops, Brigades in charge of Production and Defense and Defense Zones. Cuba’s quick organization and readiness to respond to direct aggression stopped imperialist intentions and plans.
	Territorial Militia Troops.

After the Revolution, apart from obtaining its true independence and national dignity, Cuba eliminated all forms of exploitation and eradicated racial discrimination, and discrimination against women. Other significant social achievements and economic developments were also attained.

The five-year period 1980-1985 was a period of significant developments and achievements both economic and social, even in spite of the systematic increase of the imperialistic aggressiveness and adverse climate events. However, from 1985 on, certain deficiencies and negative trends become evident, because of the incorrect implementation of the managing and planning system.

In April 1986, the President of the Councils of State and Ministers stated the need to start a process of correction of all the mistakes and negative trends aimed at solving the problems that were restraining and deforming vital and unique principles of the Cuban Revolution. Among these principles were the constant participation of the people in tasks and decisions of the revolution, the close relationship between the economic development and the social development, the creation of the new man that Che had talked about, the renovation of historic values, mainly Martí’s thought and a more creative application of Marxism-Leninism. Despite the inefficiencies and deficiencies and the need to improve the work of socialist construction, the Cuban people had really obtained impressive conquests.

In health care, there is an integrated system ranging from primary medical care with the family or area doctor and policlinics to specialized hospitals and research centers. Free medical care is carried out through a comprehensive network including nursery schools, schools, institutions and homes.

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