Cuban Revolution and rule of Fidel castro

1962

Cuban missile crisis ignites when, fearing a US invasion, Castro agrees to allow the USSR to deploy nuclear missiles on the island. The crisis was subsequently resolved when the USSR agreed to remove the missiles in return for the withdrawal of US nuclear missiles from Turkey.

Fulgencio Batista

President of Cuba from 1940 to 1944, and military dictator from 1952-1959, he was the figure of government that Castro sought to remove. He gained power following a military coup and had military, logistical and financial support from the U.S. He fled Cuba in 1959 following his defeat.

Faustino Perez

Replaced Frank País following his death as one of the lead organizers of the movement in the "llano", member of M-26-7

1958

The US withdraws military aid to Batista.

Why Castro was able to retain his power

1) Castro appeals to Cuban history and portrays the revolution as the continuation of the war for Cuban independence. - appeals to nationalism 2) Promoted social justice and equality 3) Castro's personal qualities: charisma, political skills and ability to turn defeat into victory

Result

26th of July Movement victory Overthrow of Fulgencio Batista's government Establishment of a government, led by Fidel Castro United States embargo against Cuba

Short Term Effects of the Revolution

300,000 people fled the island between 1965 and 1973. The majority of the people who fled had some sort of labor skills which resulted in a negative economic impact.

1960

All US businesses in Cuba are nationalized without compensation.

Ernesto "Che" Guevara

Argentine Marxist revolutionary who helped Castro fight and strategize during the Cuban revolution. Commander of revolutionary forces in the Battle of Santa Clara, which would be the last major battle of the revolution.

1952

Batista seizes power again and presides over an oppressive and corrupt regime.

Social Causes

Batista took power without the peoples approval. Cuba's economy was bad and many people believed Batista and the relationship with The United States was the cause

Raul Castro

Brother of Fidel, he was a military commander during the Cuban Revolution and Castro's second in command. He is the current president of Cuba and has been in office since his brother left in 2008.

1965

Cuba's sole political party renamed the Cuban Communist Party.

1976

Cuban Communist Party approves a new socialist constitution; Castro elected president.

1956

Castro lands in eastern Cuba from Mexico and takes the Sierra Maestra mountains where, aided by Ernesto Guevara, he wages a guerrilla war.

1959

Castro leads a 9,000 - strong guerrilla army into Havana, forcing Batista to flee. Castro becomes prime minister, his brother, Raul, becomes his deputy and Guevara becomes third in command.

1972

Cuba becomes a full member of the Soviet - based Council for Mutual Economic Assistance.

Sugar and gambling economy

Cuba dependent on sugar for its wealth -- sugar represented over 80% of Cuban exports, most of which went to the U.S. (dependency on the USA). US businesses also had hundreds of millions of dollars invested in utilities, manufacturing, mining, and oil refineries. US organized crime figures played a significant role in casinos and hotels in Havana, which was a major international gambling resort.

1953

Fidel Castro leads an unsuccessful revolt against the Batista regime.

Political Causes

Lack of economic progress Agriculture largest employer (40%) Failed to adjust from a semi-colonial dependent economy dominated by sugar Failed to provide enough employment Limited economic development Took office by military force instead of being elected as should be.

Fidel Castro

Leader of M-26-7, Marxist- Leninist revolutionary who led the opposition against Batista. Following his exile to Mexico for being political opposition, Castro organized a paramilitary movement and fought against Batista. After Batista fled to the Dominican Republic, Castro became president of Cuba and established a single-party communist state. Left the presidency in 2008.

M-26-7

Movement of the 26 of July, revolutionary group in Cuba led by Fidel Castro, who were the main form of organized opposition against Batista.

Armando Hart

Not militarily affiliated with Castro; however, he was responsible for the organization of the revolutionary movement in cities

1962

Organization of American States (OAS) suspends Cuba over its "incompatible" adherence to Marxism - Leninism.

Rene Ramoz

Part of M-26-7, a military commander under Castro

Frank Pais

Urban coordinator of M-26-7, and key organizer of revolutionary underground movement. He was killed in Santiago, Cuba in 1957

1961

Washington breaks off all diplomatic relations with Havana. The US sponsors an abortive invasion by Cuban exiles at the Bay of Pigs; Castro proclaims Cuba a communist state and begins to ally it with the USSR.

Conditions

• Widespread poverty (actual wealth laid in the hands of only a few) • unemployment was high • Economy was very dependent on sugar • High volume of corruption (especially in Havana) • Cubans were oppressed by government