Castro Quiz
Feb. 24, 1957
"Castro's greatest publicity coup": Herbert Matthews from the New York Times published the first of several articles after interviewing Castro in the Sierra Maestra.
Castro's famous line from his speech
"History will absolve me" Castro was known for giving speeches for as long as 4 hours
Batista and Jiang Jieshi's mistakes differences
Batista was not a communist, but Jiang Jieshi was Batista ordered the peasants to evacuate whole areas of the countryside, and those who remained were treated as traitors
1945 - Castro's rise to power
Began studying law in Havana - became committed to the idea of socialism and anti-imperialism
Before Castro
1853-1895: "Apostle of the Cuban Revolution" - Jose Marti (famous for his poetry) (Castro's idol) Exiled in 1871 If you don't have enemies then you're nothing: Said this in a poem Most famous poem: Versos Sencillos
Methods to keep power
-Land reforms -City reforms
Internal opposition with moderate ministers, including some M-26-7 members
1959 Why would they oppose him? Like Huber Matos. These people opposed him because of too much communism. They wanted to get rid of Batista, but they didn't want communism, they wanted a democracy. How did Castro deal with them? He replaced them in the government. Some of the turnovers are voluntary and some of them are forced (like Huber Matos being arrested) When they see that they're not going to get democracy, a lot of them leave the country and work against Castro from the outside.
Internal opposition in Castro's Cuba: Batista Official
1959-1960 Why would they oppose him? Because they're loyal to Batista and don't like communists. How did Castro deal with them? Imprisoned them and took their property and they ended up either executed or with a long prison sentence. Some did run to the Dominican Republic with Batista, but those that stayed faced these issues.
Internal opposition: wealthy middle classes
1959-1967 Why opposed? They don't support communism and Castro is giving their land to peasants and they're losing the majority of their possessions. Solution: Show trials to intimidate many. Plus: Restrictions placed on people's freedom to express their views.
Fulugencio Batista
A Cuban military officer and politician who served as the elected president of Cuba from 1940 to 1944 and as the US backed military dictator from 1952 to 1959, when he was overthrown by the Cuban Revolution. He was an influential Cuban dictator and his policies brought about the Cuban Revolution. Dictator in 1933 and then lost power and then in the 1950s he's back due to a military coup in 1952 (control of Cuba) (not elected) Financial, military, and logistical support from the US government (Cold War conflict) (he's anti-communist) Suspended the 1940 Constitution and revoked political liberties Aligned with the wealthiest landowners Widened the gap between rich and poor Cubans Most of the sugar industry ended up in US hands Established a tighter censorship of the media Large US-based multinational companies were awarded lucrative contracts (cheap to do this) Socialist leaning people hate him
Guantanamo Bay
A bay in Guantanamo Province at the southeastern end of Cuba. It is the largest harbor on the south side of the island and it is surrounded by steep hills which create an enclave that is cut off from its immediate hinterland. The strategic importance of the bay, close to the Windward Passage between Cuba and Haiti that links the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea and Panama, was recognized during the Spanish-American War, in 1898, when US marines landed there. We still have this as a naval base (we have the permanent rights to this to keep an eye on South America)
Spanish American War
An 1898 conflict between the United States and Spain that ended Spanish colonial rule in the Americas and resulted in US acquisition of territories in the western Pacific and Latin America. Representatives of Spain and the United States signed a peace treaty in Paris on December 10, 1898, which established the independence of Cuba, ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the United states, and allowed the victorious power to purchase the Philippines Islands from Spain for $20 million.
Platt Amendment
Approved on May 22, 1903, this was a treaty between the US and Cuba that attempted to protect Cuba's independence from foreign intervention. It permitted extensive US involvement in Cuban international and domestic affairs for the enforcement of Cuban independence. Prohibited the Cuban government from entering any international treaty that would compromise Cuban independence. Added to the Constitution of Cuba once it became independent you can make any laws you want, the US just has to approve them) - makes them not exactly independent
Castro corrupt/inept government
Batista Between independence and revolution, Cuba was led by a series of governments that showed high levels of corruption and limited success in solving economic problems and social inequality. By 1934, the armed forces under the command of General Fulgencio Batista controlled the nation by the appointment of puppet Presidents. In 1940, Batista himself became President of Cuba and ruled until 1944. Between 1944 and 1952 there was a return to democracy, but corruption continued to dominate every branch of the government, while Cuba faced inflation and unemployment. On March 10, 1952, Batista returned to the political stage and overthrew President Carlos Prío Socarrás. He suspended the constitution to rule as a dictator. During Batista's period as President, political corruption continued to reign and at shocking levels. As economic problems worsened, social and political unrest developed. Batista moved from making concessions to using repression to maintain control of the country
Jan 1, 1959
Batista fled to the Dominican Republic.
Feb 1959
Castro announced the suspension of parliamentary democracy and implemented the Fundamental Law of Republic, turning him into a dictator. (did this instead of restoring the Constitution and he's turning into a dictator)
Jan 8, 1959
Castro entered Havana and made a victory speech announcing his plans. At a pivotal moment he was saying he was going to do everything without shedding any blood, a dove flew down from heaven and landed on his shoulder.
Does Castro fit the definition of charisma?
Castro fits this definition because he was very passionate and did a good job of ensuring that the people were inspired by him, as seen when everyone started joining the revolutionaries.
July 26, 1953
Castro led a botched attack on the Moncada military barracks outside Santiago de Cuba. Castro defended himself at his trial, publicizing his policies in his famous speech ___"History will absolve me". Castro was found guilty and imprisoned on Isla de Pinos, where he reconsidered his strategy. He reached the conclusion that underground guerrilla warfare tactics were more likely to succeed than a coup
1956
Castro returned to Cuba. By this time he had moved further to the left, influenced by the communist writings of Marx, Engels, and Lenin. "
July 1958
Castro signed the Pact of _Caracas, in which other opposition parties agreed to recognize Castro's leadership of the opposition because he had the military victory. Made to lead the people towards greater progress, development and freedom Now Castro is ready to come out of the mountains and take on the government
When did Cuba called for independence?
Cuba wants independence and calls for this in the 1860s. They wanted the US to get involved and the US said no until yellow journalism caused them to get involved (Our involvement with Cuba came with the sinking of the Maine in Havana harbor - it exploded from the inside out and sold a lot of newspapers and now we're in the war and one of the reasons for starting the Spanish-american War)
Conditions for Castro's ability to take power
Cuba was in the grip of a corrupt dictatorship The Cuban economy was performing unevenly during the 1950s Brutal punishments of rebels was damaging to Batista's regime Government troops in the decisive campaign of May-June 1958 were inexperienced US lost confidence in Batista and did not defend him during 1958
Dollar Diplomacy
Foreign policy created by US President William Howard Taft and his secretary of State, Philander C. Knox, to ensure the financial stability of a region while protecting and extending US commercial and financial interests there. Instead of bringing prosperity, stability, and contributing to the advent of a strong middle class, dollar diplomacy was responsible for a shift in the socio-economic structure of Cuba dominated by increasing poverty, dependency, disrupted families, and social conflict. Economic domination We're Cuba's biggest source of loans and the ones investing in them the most, making them tied to the US
Which strategy does Castro use to try and get elected?
Guerilla warfare
Who was worse? Jiang Jieshi or Batista?
In my opinion, Jiang Jieshi was worse because I feel like he completely disregarded everyone he deemed as not important and he was only focused on his best interests and pushing his ideologies, whereas Batista, even though he didn't respect the peasants, was still doing to put his best foot forward for Cuba and wasn't as selfish as Jieshi. However, Batista took the livelihoods of a lot people.
City reform
Increased wages and lowered rents. These created great enthusiasm amongst the lower classes, but again, antagonized the middle and upper classes. Foreign-owned companies began to face waves of strikes as workers took advantage of a more favorable political situation to demand increases in wages and improved working conditions. Castro has a harder time controlling the church because they're about 100% Catholic.
1947 - Castro
Joined _the Orthodox party (political party) which was against government corruption and American imperialism and ownership (he's not a communist yet but he eventually does; he's socialist right now)
1950 - Castro
Law degree, starts firm - caters to poor Cubans
Economic problems overall
Lenin: "Peace, Land, Bread" food shortages inefficient transportation Hitler: Weimar hyperinflation caused middle class to worry about a return Great Depression Unemployment Mao: $330 million fine after Boxer Rebellion Hyperinflation after the Japanese controlled the most populous and productive land. Taxes
Which groups did Mao also have to deal with/eliminate to consolidate his rule?
Mao had to eliminate/deal with landowners, bureaucrats, those who were corrupting the government, and the people that still supported Jiang Jieshi in the government and in China in order to consolidate his rule. He mainly did this through the Three and Five Antis.
Celia Sanchez and Castro
Met Castro after his return and became his very close aid and was with him till he died. She went back and forth to the mountains helping him out
Land reforms
Most significant measure within this period was the Agrarian Reform Act, which aimed at making the distribution of land more equitable, agriculture more efficient and Cuba less dependent on sugar. The act, which had been promised by the rebels in the Sierra Maestra days, restricted the land that could be owned; anyone having more than the established limit had that extra part expropriated and received bonds as compensation. Expropriated land was to be organized in cooperatives. The Act also nationalized the land in foreign hands and ended both Cuban and foreign ownership of large estates, while still allowing private medium-and small-sized farms. These would be the targets of the second (1963) and third (1968) Agrarian Reform laws. Castro is different from Mao when dealing with land because Mao gave landlords nothing, and with Castro the landlords get a savings bond (makes him look less communist to the west and it looks like he's paying people for the land he takes).
1952 - Castro
Planned to run for Congress, but 1952 Batista took over and canceled the Constitutions and the elections were canceled, so he decided to overthrow Batista.
Castro foreign military interventions
Platt Amendment: The US kept the right to intervene in Cuba's finances and foreign relations. Aimed at preventing the influence of third-party countries in Cuba, but also at guaranteeing US control of Cuban affairs. Used by the US on several occasions to intervene in Cuban internal affairs and protect US economic interests on the island. (was abolished in 1934) Spanish-American War (1898)
Cuban-American Sugar Company processing plant owner
Put in a show trial
Doctor who used to make a lot of money in Havana but does not want to go out to the countryside to work with peasants
Put in a show trial and given restrictions on his freedoms
Castro foreign imperialism
Spanish-American War (1898) Treaty of Paris (1898) between Spain and the US granted the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the US in exchange for money. Spain also lost sovereignty over Cuba, which was placed under military occupation by the US fir 5 years. 1902 = Republic of Cuba Cuba was not fully sovereign because of the Platt Amendment
Roosevelt Corollary
Stated that not only were the nations of the Western Hemisphere not open to colonization by European powers, but that the US had the responsibility to preserve order and protect life and property in those countries. In the Corollary it stated that the government of Cuba shall never enter into any treaty or other compact with any foreign power or powers which will impair or tend to impair the independence of Cuba, nor in any manner authorize or permit any foreign power or powers to obtain by colonization or for military or naval purposes. Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (don't interfere in this hemisphere) This document is saying we'll interfere for you
Young gay man who disagrees with Castro's repression
Taken by the UMAP and sent to a labor camp
Most famous soldier in the Spanish American War
Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders
March 1958
The USA, concerned about Batista's use of weapons against his own people, cut off military aid to the Cuban government. The townspeople begin to help Castro
Why does Mao mainly use picture propaganda?
The different dialects throughout China make it difficult for Mao to talk to everyone
Rough Riders
The most famous of all the units fighting in Cuba, the "Rough Riders" was the name given to the first US volunteer cavalry under the leadership of Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt resigned his position as Assistant Secretary of the Navy in May 1898 to join the volunteer cavalry. Played a key role in the outcome of the Spanish-american War by assisting the American forces in forming a constricting ring around the city of Santiago de Cuba.
Batista and Jiang Jieshi's mistakes similarities
The police and army imprisoned and tortured anyone they suspected of being a rebel or having helped rebels, which led to the death and imprisonment of many innocent men and women Didn't care about the peasants, prioritised the landlords and those that were rich Tried to use propaganda to support their causes by frightening the citizens, but it resulted in the people turning to the other side The Long March and the Sierras failed Had members surrender to the opposing side
1948 - Castro
Visited New York for 3 months
July 26th Movement
[M - 26 - 7] into the Sierra Maestra
Why would there be no female offices in Cuba?
due to "macho" attitudes
1953 - Castro
he turned to violence: 26 July Attack on Moncada Barracks (became more revolutionary because he believes that's the only way - like Mao)
"Los Barbudos"
the bearded ones = Castro and his men who aren't shaving in the wilderness
Early Cuban history
1492-1902: Cuba was under Spanish rule Natives were forced to work long hours in sugar cane fields to support this monoculture economy. 1868-1878: First attempted war of independence - failed
What did Matthews say about Castro?
"The personality of the man is overpowering. It's easy to see that his men adore him and he was a dedicated fanatic, man of ideals, and had courage" Was he duped by Castro into making him seem more important? Castro told him that his men always stayed in groups of 10 or 40, when in fact he only had 40 troops, so it was just the one group. Also, in an interview years later, Castro said he made it look like he had more people with him than he did by having his men switch places. Similar to Mao and Edgar Snow who followed him in the 1930s
What problems did Castro identify in his speech?
"There are two hundred thousand peasant families who do not have a single acre of land to cultivate to provide food for their starving children" Called for a revolutionary government to immediately industrialize the country and "solve the housing problem by cutting all rents in half, by providing tax exemptions on homes inhabited by the owners, etc" and increase education
Ways in which Castro's use of guerilla warfare in the mountains was similar to Mao's?
-Planned to lead an uprising -Few doctors and ⅔ of Cubans couldn't read -Batista outnumbered the rebels by 100 to 1 -The guerillas were intercepted and attacked and no mercy was shown to prisoners, like how Jiang didn't show any mercy to the communists -The peasants helped in both situations -Peasants were promised land and social justice by Mao and Castro -War in which there was no interference of other countries -Castro and Mao got support for the revolution after this Like Mao because the peasants were promised land and social justice and the peasants help him, they both used a lot of propaganda (Castro is a little more advanced because it's 10 years later), both were outnumbered in their attacks, towards the end a lot of government deserters joined the rebels which is similar to the PLA Castro has to work his way slowly to the capitol and hid in the Sierra Maestra mountains, like how Mao stayed in Yan'an and when he was ready he went for power
Internal opposition: opponents in armed forces
1959-1962 Why opposed? They are not communist or leftist. May still be loyal to Batista--think: Still loyal to Batista Solution: They were imprisoned, their properties confiscated as they were brought to trial. They were either executed or given long prison sentences. The trials took place with little time to assess the real participation in the Batista regime of each of the people involved, and they did not conform to the standards of justice. As such, they were criticized not only in Cuba but also in the US for not offering human rights guarantees to the prisoners.
Opponents in PSP (communist party) - internal opposition
1960-1965 Why opposed? Pro-Moscow factions want to bring 26 July movement in line with communism Solution: New Communist Party 1961 PCC 1965.
Internal opposition: churches
1961-1965 Why opposed? Catholics that oppose communism and are against Castro's ideologies. Solution: Religious colleges closed. Priests expelled; discrimination against religious believers; harassment of religious observances
Maine (battleship)
A United States Navy ship that sank in Havana on February 15, 1898, contributing to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in April. One of the first American battleships, the Maine weighed 6,000 tons and was built at a cost of more than $2 million. Ostensibly on a friendly visit, the Maine had been sent to Cuba to protect the interests of Americans there after a rebellion against Spanish rule broke out in Havana in January. Also, President William McKinley ordered the Maine to Cuba to protect US political and economic interests on the nearby island.
What was one big factor to Castro's rise to power?
One of the factors that contributed to the rise of Castro was the fact that the Cuban political parties did not seem or offer a genuine alternative to the existing order. The Authentic Party and the Orthodox Party were 2 main political parties in Cuba before the revolution. The communists were represented by the PSP, the Popular Socialist Party.
May 1958
Batista launched a series of attacks on Castro's forces with 12,000 troops, air support, tanks, and artillery. The rebels numbered about 300. Over ½ the government troops had little training, and many ____just surrendered and deserted to the rebels The trails in the Sierra Maestra were not passable for the jeeps so they had to leave all that behind At the Battle of Las Mercedes (the one government victory), 70 rebels were killed, but Guevara cut off the government reinforcements,allowing Castro to save his troops by ceasefire talks. During the 6 days of talks, the rebel army snuck away a little at a time, so at the end, there was no one left for the government to attack. Technically a victory for the Cuban army (Castro calls it a victory because he got away)
July 12, 1957
Castro also signed the Sierra Maestra Manifesto in which he agreed to restore all of the provisions of the 1940 Constitution that had been suspended under Batista, enforce land reform, and to hold elections.
November 26, 1956
Castro and his group of 81 followers set out from Tuxpan, Veracruz, aboard the yacht Granma for the purpose of starting a rebellion in Cuba. Problems: The Granma was heavily laden with men and weapons, and supplies of additional oil to enable it to reach the shores of Cuba. The radio failed and the engines were poor, so it reached Cuba 2 days behind schedule. The urban arm of the 26th of July Movement, under the command of Frank País, had prepared a strike in Santiago de Cuba in support of the landing, but coordination was affected by the delay in the yacht's arrival. Castro also failed to make contact with those who had prepared land support for the operation. Spotted by government forces, Castro and his men landed in a swamp and were forced to leave supplies and ammunition behind. They were ambushed at Alegría del Pío and those surviving (only 12 of the original 82 man crew) dispersed and hid in the Sierra Maestra to regroup and emerge as the Rebel Army.
1955
Castro was released as a result of a political amnesty, at which point he left for __Mexico. Here he studied Marx and Engels, influenced by his brother Raúl and by new friend Ché Guevara. Here, he reunited with other Cuban exiles and founded the _26 of July Movement.
Castro economic problems
Cuba was not an industrialized nation and depended on the revenues from exported sugar to buy the necessary manufactured goods and oil. The development of Cuban service and utility industries, such as gas, electricity, communications, railways, and the banking system relied on large amounts of US investment Cuban economy was tied to the US Washington bought a significant percentage of Cuban sugar production at prices higher than those set by the international market, and if they decided to reduce the quantity of sugar bought from Cuba, the economy of the island would be seriously affected. Cuban economy worsened because of the decline in sugar prices on the international sugar market. As the price of sugar dropped, Cuba found it more expensive to purchase the goods it did not produce at home. This situation is known as the 'deteriorate of the terms of trade.' However, because of its international obligations with the US, Cuba could not successfully develop an industry to substitute imports, a measure many Latin American countries had taken by the end of WW2. The cost of rice imports led to shortages and inflation. The rise in price of oil affected transportation and the operation of sugar mills, increasing underemployment to 17% during the late 1950s, to be combined with a 13% level of unemployment and low wages for those who were employed.
Jose Marti
Cuban poet and essayist, patriot and martyr, who became the symbol of Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain. He was very politically active and is considered an important philosopher and political theorist. Through his writings and political activity, he became a symbol of Cuba's bid for independence from the Spanish Empire in the 19th century and is referred to as the "Apostle of Cuban Independence."
Castro social inequality
Cubans enjoyed a better standard of living than workers in other regions of the continent, but there were many social and economic problems that affected them. The living conditions for workers were precarious. Wages were low, housing was limited and access to health and education not available to all. Few rural areas possessed running water or electricity. Illiteracy was widespread, reaching 50% in certain parts of the countryside. Sugar workers were seasonal meaning there were months when they didn't have steady employment. The ownership of land and of the sugar mills was largely concentrated in the hands of the upper class and foreign companies
Former Batista police lieutenant who took a lot of bribes to ignore crime in Mafia hotels in Havana
Imprisoned
Cuban army captain who was in the army when Batista fled, but who sympathized with M-26-7
Imprisoned, put on trial, and either given a long prison sentence or was executed
Havana, Cuba
Havana was very different from the rest of the country because almost all of it was rural and was the site of a lot of nightlife and nightclubs like Las Vegas because it's close to the US
Do Mao and Hitler fit the definition of charisma?
I think Hitler because everyone seems to be inspired and enthralled by his speeches; however not so much for Mao until he started the Cult of Personality.
Was propaganda/press manipulation or charisma more important in creating Castro's image?
I think that propaganda/press manipulation was more important in creating his image because of the white doves and the overall perception that Castro was this great guy who wanted the best for Cuba by prioritising the people and respecting them. The propaganda and press amplified this perception of him, and contributed to him being charismatic, but Castro definitely had the personality and ideologies too that allowed for him to be successful with his propaganda.
Which cause seemed to bother the Cubans most?
I think the economic problems seemed to both the Cubans the most because they didn't have much control over how much income they got from the sugar cane they sold because of US intervention and they wanted to be independent and free but the US continued to intervene.
Who (group) seems to be the biggest threat/challenge to Castro? Explain why.
I would say that the biggest threat/challenge to Castro was those in the churches because they have such strong opinions and they favor a world that the God and the Bible created for them, so they're not really willing to compromise and do things that Castro says if it goes against their beliefs.
Social inequality overall
Lenin: working class problems peasant land hunger Hitler: Not so much here --Middle class lost everything in hyperinflation of 1923 Mao: 80% peasants Landowners = 10% of population but own 70% of land. 50-80% of peasant crops were paid as rent
Corrupt/inept government overall
Lenin: Provisional government and before that the tsar Hitler: Weimar Republic Mao: Qing Dynasty needed foreign support. Jiang Jieshi took help from the US. Gov. corrupt. GMD troops sold food on black market; rice sacks were often ½ sand. Jiang was perceived as keeping US aid to fight CCP later and doing little against Japan.
Foreign imperialism overall
Lenin: Tsarist competition with Austria in the Balkans Hitler: Treaty of Versailles took German land and colonies Mao: Foreigners control trade in Chinese products—tea, silk, porcelain Treaty ports given to Europeans--Britain owned Hong Kong until 1997
Foreign military interventions overall
Lenin: World War 1 Hitler: World War 1 Mao: Opium Wars Boxer Rebellion put down by 50,000-man multinational force Japan took Manchuria; 2 Sino-Japanese Wars
What did Castro do that is similar to Mao or Hitler?
Like Mao and Hitler, Castro eliminated the opposition so that Cuba was full of people that were generally in favor of his rule and communism. For example, Mao created the Three and Five Antis to ensure that the government in China wasn't corrupted and full of people and bureaucrats who supported Jiang Jieshi. Additionally, Hitler did the Holocaust where he eliminated the Jews so he could achieve his goal of only an Aryan race within Germany. Castro even relied on intimidation during show trials to convince people to change their mindsets and support communism, which is similar to how Mao used peer pressure to change the mindsets of those that did something wrong, and this was with thought reform. Castro was also very ruthless, like Mao and Hitler, and wouldn't stop at anything to achieve his goals. This is where the propaganda that he used, like with radio rebels, respecting everyone and showing his peace and love through doves, as well as influencing the people enough to convince them to hand out leaflets, comes in and plays to his benefit. Mao was really good with propaganda too, as he used visual propaganda to get his illiterate population to support him in communism and his ideologies. Lastly, Hitler used people's radios as his propaganda to get people to support his ideologies and an Aryan race. Castro was very similar to Hitler with propaganda because Hitler had book burnings and eliminated all of the arts and books that went against his ideologies, just like how Castro closed all religious colleges and attempted to keep religious beliefs out of Cuba. Also, Mao and Castro were both very focused on the industrialization of their countries, and they eliminated opposition, and Castro developed a revolutionary government and Mao developed a revolution as well through the Cultural Revolution to implement their ideologies and become leaders so they could industrialize and rule Cuba and China.
DGI
Like the KGB - they're a combination of FBI and CIA, they'll spy on you, America, wherever (these are the official spies) (Directorate of Intelligence; Cuba's most important intelligence agency. Took shape under the tutelage of the Soviet KGB; Beginning in 1962 Cuban officers were trained in Moscow)
Methods that led to Castro's rise to power
M-26-7 propaganda had a huge impact Due to his small numbers, Castro relied on guerilla warfare in the Sierra Maestra M-26-7 began a programme of economic sabotage in 1958 The Moncada attack was built up as a heroic failure Castro's urban underground was highly effective Guevara enforced strict discipline on rebel forces in the Sierra Maestra
Explain (a) why middle class people left
Middle class people left because they didn't support communism and it was easier for them to leave, since they could afford it, as opposed to dealing with Castro's rule and letting Castro take away their possessions.
UMAP
Military Units to Aid Production (your labor camp) - the use of force to control and repress opposition - they targeted children whose parents are in support of Batista and weren't loyal, and people who seemed to be too pro American or gay (mostly young men were the target) Between 1965 and 1968 about 25,000 young men were sent here
M-26-7 encouraged people in urban support and people in towns attempted to help....
News about the progress made in the Sierra Maestra encouraged urban support. Workers in towns and cities joined the revolution underground. They printed leaflets in support of the rebels and condemning Batista. They planted homemade bombs to blow up government installations, railways and public buildings, and sabotaged telephone lines, electricity stations and gas services. They assassinated those they believed to be enemies of the revolution. Everything they did diverted Batista's attention away from Castro so Castro's revolution could grow and be successful
Internal opposition: potential opponents
Ongoing throughout rule Why opposed? Counter-revolutionaries Solution: CRR was in operation in every workplace, street block, and inside residential buildings. Members were instructed to identify 'enemies of the revolution' and report on their activities. CRR: Committees for the Defense of the Revolution; everyone can be in it (about a ⅓ of the country was in it) - anyone can be a spy, you don't know who to trust and you don't want to be the one to join the committee if you're asked (you have to be loyal) DGI and UMAP
Batista strikes back with ____ in May 1958
Operation Verano
Castro overall in Mancada
Not very well-known to start, but eventually became a symbol of the communist revolution in Latin America Goal: To convert Cuba from a capitalist system to a socialist system in which the means of production are owned by the workers, and thus industrializing/modernizing Cuba. Misjudged the situation in Mancada, but wasn't stopped until the army was able to successfully defend the building. Had an army of 140 men Tired, convicted, and imprisoned (eventually freed) Got more support from the people and popularity as a result of the trial with his speech working to industrialize Cuba. Eloquent public speaker; usually spoke for a very long time - showed skills at trial. Used his trial to call for a revolutionary government and listed the benefits that would occur from this type of government. Found guilty and sentenced 15 years, but was eventually freed, along with the rest of the insurgents, in 1955, because the dictator of Cuba sought ways to salvage his reputation. Considered the day in which Castro and his troops unsuccessfully took over the Moncada Barracks. Claimed that a revolutionary government would "solve the housing problem by cutting all rents in half, by providing tax exemptions on homes inhabited by the owners, etc" and increase education.
Monoculture
One crop economy (sugar cane) If there's a bad harvest of sugar cane in Cuba, then the country's in trouble.
December 1958
Out of the Sierra, the end is near - Time to take the war to Batista By Christmas Castro's forces occupied _Santa Clara. On December 30, the army garrison at Yaguajay surrendered because they ran out of ammunition because the train couldn't get through. The journey was received by cheering crowds of peasants Key to victory: capture of armoured train with ammo and weapons
People in the Sierra Maestra mountains helped Castro's group because....
Peasants got to know a totally different type of army to the national army Batista had often used to suppress unrest. Castro's forces did not steal from the peasants and always paid for the food they were given. They respected women, put their medical doctors at the service of the peasants, taught them to read and write, and even helped in the household chores. Any soldier breaking this code was sentenced to death. Peasants received more from the Rebel Army than they had ever received from the Cuban government. Another factor was that their leaders explained what they were fighting for and what kind of new society they were hoping to achieve. The most important element in the new programme was the Agrarian Reform. The 26th of July Movement promised peasants an end to the ownership of large estates by a small society or companies, and committed themselves to a fairer distribution of land. The rebels made use of the radio to spread their messages and people tuned in because they relied more on the news from the Radio Rebels than on the government media. Castro himself addressed the people on Radio Rebels in a style that everyone understood. He also made sure people found out what government censorship was hiding from them about the fight against Batista. Lastly, news about the progress made in the Sierra Maestra encouraged urban support for the revolution.
Who was with Castro during the July 26th Movement?
Raúl Castro: His brother and right hand man. Already a Marxist. No victories on his own. Celia Sánchez: After meeting Castro in 1957 she became his very close aide, getting supplies to him in the mountains. Together until she died. Camilo Cienfuegos: In charge of preparations for teh Granma Landing. Head of armed forces and best name Ernesto ¨Che¨ Guevara: Argentine doctor and confirmed Marxist who loved the battles
Hitler overall
Relatively unknown; a minor political activist No one cared about NSDAP. Goal: to force the Bavarian government to take armed action against Communists so he could seize power in Berlin. Misjudged the situation; so was stopped almost immediately The Army did NOT join Hitler. Stopped with gunfire from police. Tried, convicted, and imprisoned Became famous as a result of the trial, and gained many supporters as a result Eloquent public speaker - showed skills at trial Used his trial to publicly denounce the Weimar government (as the traitors of 1918). "I only wanted what's best for the German people." Found guilty of treason, but treated relatively leniently when sentenced--only 5 years; served only 9 months Commemorated the date of the failed putsch (laying a wreath for the 'martyrs' every year.) [Kristallnacht was on the 15th anniversary of the Nov. 9 putsch.] Claimed that history would judge more fairly than the court: "the goddess of the eternal court of History...finds us not guilty."
M-26-7 member who thinks communism goes too far
Replaced in the government
What did Batista do?
Reported Castro's death in the Granma debacle and Matthews made him likeable and heroic.
why workers stayed and were satisfied with Castro.
Some workers stayed and were satisfied with Castro because they were getting the possessions of the wealthy and they were getting better pay, as well as better living and working conditions, so they were satisfied with Castro since Batista created a life for them that was unfair and full of disrespect and harsh conditions. Castro provided a rule that benefited them and it was much better than what they had to deal with in the past.
December 2, 1956
The rebels landed at Playa Las Coloradas. Most of Castro's men were killed or taken prisoner by Batista's forces and the rest fled to the Sierra Maestra mountains. The group of survivors included Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and Raúl Castro, Fidel's brother. They had only _12 men left from the expedition.
Why did Castro's speech appeal to people so much?
This appealed so much to the people because they want these things as well. They want their rent cut in half, better education, tax exemptions, modern buildings, and an overall industrialized country. Castro was speaking as a regular person instead of a dictator, which appealed to the ordinary people.
The Moncada Assualt
Who: A group of approximately 140 men dressed in military uniforms. Most of them were members of the Partido Orthodox and they were led by Fidel Castro, his brother Raúl and Abel Santamaría. What did they do: Attacked a military garrison in Cuba known as the Moncada Barracks. Where: Mancada is situated in Santiago de Cuba, in the Oriente province When: July 26, 1953 Why: This location was chosen for several reasons. It was the second largest military garrison in the country and had large supplies of ammunition that Castro hoped to seize. Also, Oriente was one of the regions with the greatest social unrest, which Castro thought would provide popular support for the attack. Moreover, the distance between Santiago de Cuba and Havana ensured that if Bartista's troops were sent from the capitol to defend the building, there would be enough time to complete the takeover. Finally, the timing of the attack coincided with a popular celebration in the streets of Santiago, so Castro hoped to find fewer soldiers in the garrison. The aim of the operation was to obtain weapons that would help spark a general insurrection against Batista. Castro believed that if the attack was successful and his men acquired weapons, they would gather massive popular support for the uprising. Result: The attack had been carefully planned, but several last-minute problems complicated the work of the rebels. Although the surprise factor was intended to play in the rebels' favor, the army managed to defend the building successfully. Almost half of the rebels who participated in the attack were killed; many were captured and tortured to death, including Abel Santamaría. Fidel and Raúl Castro managed to escape, but were soon captured by Batista's forces and imprisoned. Batista decided to make the trial of the rebels a great show of strength. He wanted Cubans to see how determined he was to crush any opposition to the regime, in the hope that it would work as a deterrent. Castro, a lawyer, decided to defend himself at the trial. Although Castro's own trial took place in a separate room and attendance was restricted, his speech "History will absolve me" became not only his defense, but a programme for the political and social reform of the country.
However, April 9, 1958....
a general strike failed to gain support and led Batista to believe he could use brutal methods against protesters.
Matthews descriptions of Castro led to
elevision interviews, especially one with Bob Taber of CBS News, which disproved rumors of Castro's death. The interview improved Castro's image Radio Rebelde (Radio Rebel) began to broadcast from "free Cuba in the Sierra. Castro himself addressed the people. - Che and Fidel broadcast to the country on their own station (propaganda) Hitler also used the radio a lot and put loudspeakers on the street corners and made People's Radios
Castro let people ____ to eliminate his opposition
leave for example: the smart, wealthy people This was unlike Hitler or Mao A lot of middle class people left because it wasn't the way they wanted to live All the people that know how to run the factories, all the doctors, lawyers, etc. are gone (all the jobs that require special skills are taken off and the poor, illiterate peasants are staying - this is a big economic problem, but Castro thinks they don't need them)
