him. [applause] >> i am a history buff. seeing the fabric of our country interesting how we work and how they are paid. i had no idea they did history. and with american history tv it gives you that perspective. >> each week, real america tongs you archival films today's public affairs issues.

the boat lift began when a man .eeking asylum rammed a bus crisis, the cuban government stated that anyone who wanted to leave could do so the port of mario.

>> more than a hundred flee cuba. florida ino key west nearly 2000 votes. -- votes. ♪ 25 die in the attempt.

why did they come? why are they so many?

-- (speaking in spanish)

>> the exodus begins when the government of cuba removes its guards. within 24 hours, 10,000 people jammed the embassy.

government produces mass demonstrations against those who would to leave. for a few days it seems that the

whole country wants to flee. how do they manage to leave?

--

may 2, 1980. persons way to process their exit visas outside the united states interest section.

♪

>> the refugees arrive in temporary centers in the united states. a new life, a new home.

>> the cuban poet comments on some aspects of life in his homeland.

>> among those who flee is the writer renaldo arena. hallucinations is perhaps the best known of his work.

>> after the ordeal comes trends quality -- tranquility.

>> miami, florida. here becomes the final processing for thousands of newly arrived cubans. joineds of volunteers public and private groups to hell. -- help. left behind are the memories, the anguish and the people.

now is the hour to begin again.

♪ ♪

a knows are: next on american history tv, a conversation with jon butler.