Fidel Castro & Cuba

Vilma Espin

often regarded as the first lady of Cuba a Cuban revolutionary, feminist and chemical engineer. She was married to Raúl Castro, the current Cuban President, who is the brother to former Cuban President Fidel Castro. Fought in the Sierra Maestras with Castro brothers. President of Federation of Cuban Woman from its foundation in 1960 to her death Woman leader in the M-26. Married Raul Castro and became the head of the Federation of Cuban Women.

Haydee Santamaria

she distributed Castro's speech and founded the Casa de las Americas; one of few women at Moncada

Che Guevara (1928-1967)

(1928-1967) Argentinean revolutionary leader; he was an aide to Fidel Castro during the Cuban revolution. was an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, intellectual, guerrilla leader, diplomat, military theorist, and major figure of the Cuban Revolution. Since his death, his stylized visage has become a ubiquitous counter-cultural symbol.

July 26th Movement (1953)

- A vanguard revolutionary organization planned and led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara - The overthrow of government led by Battista: military general known for putting Cubans who supported the West into power -The movement fought the Batista regime on both rural and urban fronts The of July 26th Movement was a revolutionary movement led by Fidel Castro that overthrew the regime of Fulgencio Batista in Cuba (1959). Its name commemorates an attack on the Moncado barracks on July 26, 1953.

Mariel Boatlift 1980 (Flow)

- Cuba allowed mass emigration (70% male) of social and political 'undesirables' - Released criminals and political prisoners from jails and prisons - Released inmates from mental institutions - Crossed to Florida by all manner of boats and homemade rafts 1980 mass migration of people from Cuba to the U.S. This was when Fidel Castro allowed Cuban criminal "refugees" to come to USA to dispose of his social "trash" and abuse Carter's policy of accepting all comers. Here's an example of being "good" causing problems!

Herberto Padilla

1932-2000, Cuban poet/novelist, criticized Communist government of Fidel Castro in Cuba, he would be arrested for his actions and was forced to read a public statement, however, he did not change the grammar errors so people would figure out the words were not his own Cuban; critiqued gov't for being restrictive; forced to read letter from gov't but left grammar mistakes

Pact of Caracas 1958

A 1958 agreement between all the major political parties and organizations in Cuba, including the PSP, to recognize Castro's leadership in the struggle against Batista. MAKES CASTRO THE LEADER! This exposed Batista's political isolation. coalition of all main anti-Batista political parties

Roosevelt Corollary (1904)

A brazen policy of "preventive intervention" advocated by Theodore Roosevelt in his Annual Message to Congress in 1904. Adding ballast to the Monroe Doctrine, his corollary stipulated that the United States would retain a right to intervene in the domestic affairs of Latin American nations in order to restore military and financial order. Roosevelt's extension of the Monroe Doctrine, stating that the United States has the right to protect its economic interests in South And Central America by using military force. we were the "police of the western hemisphere" Example of US imperialism in Latin America. Used to justify hundreds of interventions, mostly to protect US business interests, sometimes to the detriment of democratic movements in Latin America This was established after the Dominican Republic and other Latin American nations were at risk of defaulting on loans which left them open to European intervention. It set the United States' role as a police power in Central and South America Latin American nations were in deep financial trouble and could not pay their debts to European creditors. Roosevelt declared the U.S. would intervene and occupy the ports of those countries that were delinquent in paying their debts and manage the collection of customs taxes until European debts were satisfied. U.S. would act as international policemen. An addition to the Monroe Doctrine.

Huber Matos

A former teacher and member of the Orthodox Party who joined the rebel army against Batista. He played a leading part in the Sierra Maestra days in the taking of Santiago. In the early days of the revolution he was appointed commander of the army in the province of Camagüey. Soon after that he began to express his opposition to the radicalization of the revolution and was arrested by Castro. He spent 20 years in prison and was subjected to physical and psychological tortures. When released in 1979 he fled to Miami where he has become a leading force of the Cuban dissidence and published his memoirs, How the Night Came. He was a military leader, political dissident, activist, and writer. He opposed the Batista rule and helped Castro overthrow him. He criticized the regime for switching to Communist and was thrown in jail for 20 years. former major in Castro's army who was imprisoned for his stand against Communism in Cuba

The Granma Expedition (1956)

An expedition to Cuba of about 80 fighters who had been recruited in Mexico, including Che Guevera. It was led by the Castro brothers. The boat arrived late and its radio failed, so the assault was poorly coordinated, with planned uprisings from within Cuba failing to materialize. The fighters were ambushed and all but twelve of them were killed. The twelve escaped and hid in the mountains of the Sierra Maestra, recruiting more members. Fidel returned with Raul and Guevera on a boat; second failed attempt to overthrow Batista; group fled to Sierra Maestra Mts. The name of both the landing of Cuban revolutionary forces and the yacht which transported revolutionaries from Mexico to Cuba in 1956 for the purpose of overthrowing the Bautista regime. It is also the province where the Moncada Barracks raid occurred.

Year of 10 Million

Campaign to increase Cuba's sugar production to 10 million tonnes in 1970. (The three previous years had averaged 5 million tonnes) The goal was to make enough sugar to pay off Cuba's debts to the USSR and get capital to fund economic diversification. To achieve this harvest, Castro militarized labour mobilizing students, conscripts, soldiers, law breakers, emigrants waiting to leave the island, and volunteers. Bars and theatres were closed and the New Year celebrations were cancelled. The harvest was a record 8.5 million tonnes, but below target and also other sectors of the economy had suffered and the campaign exhausted Cubans and made them sceptical. Castro accepted responsibility in a speech on July 26 1970, even offering to resign. The crowd cheered him. He also reintroduced farmer's markets, gave companies more independence from bureaucratic control and introduced material incentives like pay for overtime work.

Moncada Barracks 1953

Castro led an attack on these barracks on the 26th of July 1953. This gave rise to a new political party called the "26th of July Movement". The attack failed. Castro was arrested and many of his followers were tortured to death. At least one had his eyes put out and presented to his sister (who also participated in the assault) on a tray. Castro and his brother apparently escaped such treatment because the Batista's officer knew him from university and Batista was a friend of Castro's family. Batista's harsh response, including repression, torture and persecution allowed Castro and his men to emerge as martyrs. Also, Castro appeared to be the only one taking effective action against Batista. Also, Castro used his trial to make his famous "History will absolve me" speech. On July 24th, Castro and group attacked this army base to rebel against Batista A military place in Santiago de Cuba, where Castro launched his 1st attack. The site of Castro's first short-lived uprising. This event marked the beginning of the July 26th movement as it took place on July 26th, 1953. The purpose of the uprising was to acquire weapons for the planned revolution. This occurred in the Granma Province.

"Words to the intellectuals" speech

Castro speech during the First Congress of Cuban Writers and Artists saying artists' jobs are to inspire support of the revolution Speech made by Castro in 1961. He was responding to criticism of the censorship of the movie PM at the First Congress of Cuban Writers and Artists. In this speech, he made it clear that the arts were expected to promote revolutionary values. This illustrates a lack of intellectual freedom in Castro's Cuba.

Jose Marti (1853-1895)

Cuban poet, philosopher, essayist, journalist, translator, professor, and publisher, who is considered a Cuban national hero. Referred to as the "Apostle of Cuban Independence." He died in military action during the Battle of Dos Rios and was even considered an inspiration by the communist revolutionaries in 1959. Cuban poet and journalist who organized a guerilla revolution against Spain in 1895- "Cuba Libre" free Cuba was his battle cry-and sought US support and intervention. led the fight for Cuba's independence from Spain from 1895 through the Spanish-American War

Vilma Espin

Cuban revolutionary, feminist, and engineer; married to Raul Castro and president of Federation of Cuban Women (FMC). often regarded as the first lady of Cuba a Cuban revolutionary, feminist and chemical engineer. She was married to Raúl Castro, the current Cuban President, who is the brother to former Cuban President Fidel Castro. Fought in the Sierra Maestras with Castro brothers. President of Federation of Cuban Woman from its foundation in 1960 to her death Woman leader in the M-26. Married Raul Castro and became the head of the Federation of Cuban Women.

Flugencio Batista

Cuban right-wing dictator overthrown by Fidel Castro. Originally a sergeant in the military. Very corrupt leader with mobsteres during his reign --he was anti-communist, so the US supported him runs Cuba as a mean, benevolent dictator but benefits America so they let him rule, flees Cuba on New Year's eve due to rebellion

Herberto Padilla

Cuban who critiqued government for being restrictive 1932-2000, Cuban poet/novelist, criticized Communist government of Fidel Castro in Cuba, he would be arrested for his actions and was forced to read a public statement, however, he did not change the grammar errors so people would figure out the words were not his own Cuban; critiqued gov't for being restrictive; forced to read letter from gov't but left grammar mistakes

Federation of Cuban Women (FMC)

Established in 1960 by former guerrilla fighter Vilma Espín. The FMC began by helping prostitutes and unemployed women, but evolved to fight for gender equality in Cuba. By 1974 FMC promoted a "Family Code" that called for spouses to share fully in child-rearing. this was an organization that was established in 1960 to help women enter into the economy, workforce, gain equality, and fight for equal rights its president was Vilma Espin and held congresses in 1974 and 1980 its work helped to lower the number of job categories that were only available to men, yet many managerial positions were still virtually impossible for women to obtain The FMC was deeply involved in the 1961 Cuban Literacy Campaign and in supplying workers after the mass exodus of trained labor following the Revolution. Several goals of the FMC involved bringing women out of the home and into the economy, providing equal opportunities for women, and providing adequate working conditions for women.

Platt Amendment (1901)

Following its military occupation, the United States successfully pressured the Cuban government to write this amendment into its constitution. It limited Cuba's treaty-making abilities, controlled its debt, and stipulated that the United States could intervene militarily to restore order when it saw fit. an amendment added to Cuba's constitution by the Cuba government, after pressure from the United States; it provided that Cuba would make no treaties that compromised its independence or granted concessions to other countries without U.S. approval. The amendment was abrogated in 1934. Allowed the United States to intervene in Cuba and gave the United States control of the naval base at Guantanamo Bay. Legislation that severely restricted Cuba's sovereignty and gave the US the right to intervene if Cuba got into trouble

Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961)

John F. Kennedy became president of the United States in January 1961. Cold War tensions were high—in Europe, in Asia, and even on the doorstep of the United States, in Cuba. The Cuban government of Fidel Castro became increasingly Communist in 1961. Castro condemned the United States and began to receive military aid from the Soviet Union and other Communist countries. The Cuban government seized millions of dollars' worth of American property in Cuba. The United States ended diplomatic relations with Cuba in January 1961. In April 1961, the United States sponsored an invasion of Cuba by anti-Castro Cubans at the Bay of Pigs. The attack was poorly planned and failed badly. The unsuccessful invasion strengthened Castro's control of Cuba, and it caused the United States to lose face. (World Book Encyclopedia) CIA plot in 1961 to overthrow Fidel Castro by training Cuban exiles to invade and supporting them with American air power; the mission failed and became a public relations disaster early in JFK's presidency Failed CIA operation in April 1961to overthrow Castro and take over Cuba using Cuban exiles. In April 1961, a group of Cuban exiles organized and supported by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency landed on the southern coast of Cuba in an effort to overthrow Fidel Castro. When the invasion ended in disaster, President Kennedy took full responsibility for the failure.

Orthodox Party

One of the opposition parties in Cuba under Batista. Its policies were anti-corruption, nationalizing US companies and social reform. Castro joined this party around 1945, but his political career was cut short when Batista deposed Socarras in 1952. party Castro was a part of before the creation of the 26th of July Movement

literacy campaign (1961)

Seen as one of the most successful of Castro's reforms. Before 1959 the official literacy rate for Cuba was between 60% and 76%, largely because of lack of education access in rural areas and a lack of instructors. The literacy campaign of 1961 sent "literacy brigades" out into the countryside to construct schools, train new educators, and teach the predominantly illiterate peasants to read and write. Successful in raising the national literacy rate to 96%. Seen as one of the most successful of Castro's reforms. employed teachers and students to go to rural populations to help them read and write. raised literacy from 60-70 to 90ish percent. became one of the most advanced (literate) countries.

Grey Years

Since 1971, Cuban artists and writers have been under closer surveillance and have been afraid to produce anything that could be interpreted as counter-revolutionary. Many have left the country. Others smuggled their work out to be published elsewhere.

Khrushchev, Nikita (1894-1971)

Soviet Premier following the death of Stalin. Passed liberal reforms (de-Stalinization) in the Soviet Union but had trouble in foreign policy. Stalin's successor as head of the Communist Party; was more open in his dealings with the West and less menacing; also not was paranoid and secretive as Stalin; was said to believe in peaceful coexistence with the West and challenged the west in economic rather than military competition (very very bad joke in the future); helped Fidel Castro. (April 15, 1894 - September 11, 1971) led the Soviet Union during part of the Cold War. He served as First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1964, and as Chairman of the Council of Ministers, or Premier, from 1958 to 1964. Soviet leader, publicly denounced Stalin, free many political prisoners eased censorship

"History will absolve me" Speech (1953)

Speech made by Castro at his trial in 1953. Although only a small number of people were allowed to observe, he made this speech to justify his revolution and lay out his agenda. This four hours long; It served to become the manifesto of his movement. This speech made him a national hero. October 16, 1953. He was defending himself in court for his July 26 attack on the Moncada Barracks.

John F. Kennedy (1961-1963)

The 35th President of the United States; served at the height of the Cold War, and much of his presidency focused on managing relations with the Soviet Union. He increased the number of American military advisers in South Vietnam. Was assassinated in 1963. president during part of the cold war and especially during the superpower rivalry and the cuban missile crisis. he was the president who went on tv and told the public about hte crisis and allowed the leader of the soviet uinon to withdraw their missiles. other events, which were during his terms was the building of the berlin wall, the space race, and early events of the Vietnamese war.

Sierra Maestra Campaign 1956-1959

The mountain range where Castro and his supporters lived during 1956-1959 waging a guerrilla war against the Batista regime. mountains where Castro and 16 others flee after massacre after landing on Cuba after exile A mountain range in southeast Cuba. It is the highest system in Cuba and rich in minerals. Where Castro would flee in the Granma

Frank Pais

The urban coordinator of the 26th of July Movement, collaborating with Fidel Castro's guerrilla forces which were conducting activities in the Sierra Maestra mountains. He was killed by Batista police in Santiago in 1957. A fellow revolutionary of the 26 of July movement, he was a key leader in the revolutionary leadership. He organized the urban movement of guerrilla sympathizers, but was killed in 1957 on July 30. A full-time activist for the July 26th Movement after Batista's coup of 1952. He was instrumental in supplying weapons and supplies to the guerillas. He was the head of the civic resistance movement based in Havana. He encouraged the journalistic coverage of Herbert Matthews and others. He was assassinated by the Cuban police in Santiago in July 1957.

UMAP

These were camps set up in 1965 and lasting until 1968 where about 25,000 young men were sent to be "re-educated through the liberating effects of collective work." Inmates included: • Everyone opposing military service • Homosexuals • Children of political prisoners • Political dissenters • Young people imitating American dress codes and tastes group that made reeducation labor camps for dissenters, homosexuals, and others

Spanish-American War (1898)

War fought between the US and Spain in Cuba and the Philippines. America intervened "on behalf of" Cuba and phillippines, but really wanted to establish itself in pacific. It lasted less than 3 months and resulted in Cuba's independence as well as the US annexing Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Conflict between the U.S. and Spain that began the rise of the U.S. as a world power. The U.S. gained possession of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines as a result. The Maine mysteriously blew up in the Havana harbor from internal explosion. Yellow journalists like Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst sensationalistically influence public opinion in newspapers ("Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain"). Americans declare war on Spain. The War was also caused by Americans' desire to expand as well as the harsh treatment that the Spanish had over the Cubans; the U.S. also wanted to help Cubans gain independence from Spain. The war resulted in the U.S. gaining Guam and Puerto Rico as well as control over the Philippines.

Celia Sanchez

Woman leader int he M-26. Became Castro's Chief of Staff after he took power. A doctor's daughter that emerged as Fidel's closest confidant, his chief of staff, his administrative aide, his accountant, and the revolution's chief document collector. Fidel Castro's secretary and guerrilla warrior in the Cuban Revolution. She made preparations for the Granma landing, placed secret messages inside Butterfly Flowers to remain secret, and supplied Che's rebel army with weapons and food.

Raul Castro

Younger brother of Fidel Castro who also took place in the Cuban Revolution and is now the current President of Cuba.

Carlos Franqui

a Cuban writer, poet, journalist, art critic, and political activist. After the Fulgencio Batista coup in 1952, he became involved with the 26th of July Movement

Special Period (Cuba)

an extended period of economic crisis that began in 1989 primarily due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and, by extension, the Comecon 1989-1993 in Cuba. Shortages of everything and infrastructure was weak. Energy in short supply. This forced Castro to allow certain capitalistic developments such as self-employment, adoption of the dollar, and tourism industry

Operation Verano June 1958

batista's counter-attack; government military were handicapped in operation due to: more than half were conscripts with little training and less incentive to fight; Castro knew the ground better; local population supported Castro; two rival generals in charge of operation

Khruschev's Secret Speech

denounced Stalin to try to revert russia back to a true leninst model of communism

Revolutionary Offensive

termination of private enterprises in Cuba in March 1968 its goal was to get rid of capitalism completely, yet only resulted in absenteeism and less productivity from workers this movement made all private businesses public for state use (e.g. restaurants, farmers markets) This was launched in March 1968. It aimed to remove the last vestiges of capitalism from the island. All remaining private enterprises were abolished, including street vendors, service shops, farmer's markets and self-employment. It resulted in administrative chaos and loss of productivity due to high absenteeism.

M-26-7

the 26th of July movement, an attack on a military post in Cuba led by Fidel Castro that gained national attention an evolutionary organization planned and led by Fidel Castro that in 1959 overthrew the Fulgencio Batista dictatorship in Cuba

Che Guevara (1928-1967)

was an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, intellectual, guerrilla leader, diplomat, military theorist, and major figure of the Cuban Revolution. Since his death, his stylized visage has become a ubiquitous counter-cultural symbol. (1928-1967) Argentinean revolutionary leader; he was an aide to Fidel Castro during the Cuban revolution.