Fidel Castro By: Morgan Wright & Leah Banks

Fidel Castro… leader of the Cuban Revolution, first secretary of the Cuban Communist Party, and president of Cuba Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz was born on 8/13/1926 In 1945 he entered the University of Havana(law school) and developed interests in political climate of Cuban nationalism, anti-imperialism and socialism Within his years in law school Castro joined Partido Ortodoxo, an anticommunist political party founded to reform government corruption in Cuba. Castro’s goal was to spread word about the corruption of General Fulgencio Batista.

The uprising and rule of Fulgencio Batista Joined army at a young age; where he rose from private to sergeant and eventually made political connections. Oversaw the Constitution of 1940 Revamped the Cuban political system Incorporated labor/education law reforms Dominated Cuban politics for quarter of a century(1933-1958) as president and then following as Cuba’s military dictator “Throughout Cuba people are growing more repulse by the brutality of the Batista regime. He has jailed and killed thousands, as he tries in vein to keep his grasp on power, the tighter he squeezes the more his power slips away”(history.com)

Historical Context Castro Batista Middle and lower class was Castro’s supporters Cuban leader Fidel Castro (1926-) established the first communist state in the Western Hemisphere He ruled over Cuba for nearly five decades, until handing off power to his younger brother Raúl in 2008 During his reign, thousands of Cubans have sought exile In the United States. Brought social reforms to Cuba, but has been criticized for oppressing human rights and freedom of speech. Batista took power with claims that he would honor all international agreements, guarantee lives and property and continue public work projects. The army was Batista's main support in Cuba, and also many Cuban businessmen gave Batista their support Some from the middle and upper classes were opposed to Batista, while his major opposition was from students -- also from the upper and middle classes The United States and Cuba were enjoying a good relationship. Economically, Cuba was thriving and tourism was Cuba's second largest industry But Batista also failed Cuba by failing to invest government funds wisely

Elimination of the Opposition Castro's plans to run for the House of Representatives on the Ortodoxo ticket were cut short by the military coup of 1952, instigated by General Fulgencio Batista. Castro and approximately 150 supporters attacked the Moncada military barracks(Santiago de Cuba)in an attempt to overthrow Batista but failed. Batista's forces killed or captured most of the attackers including Castro, his brother Raul and Che Guevara Castro's forces waged a guerrilla war against the Batista government, organizing resistance groups in cities and small towns across Cuba. To stay connected with the people Castro managed to control provinces with agricultural and manufacturing production

Elimination of the Opposition cont. In 1958 Castro successfully used military campaigns throughout Cuba to capture and hold key areas of the country for his support and popularity. With losing support and control of the military Batista's government rule came to and end due to Castro's efforts. In January of 1959, Batista fled to the Dominican Republic. At the age of 32, Castro successfully achieved his goal and overthrew Fulgencio Batista

Fidel Castro’s Rule of Regime named a cabinet composed of followers from the 26th of July Movement and the old communist party. Castro's government also began to establish relations with the Soviet Union The United States retaliated by cutting Cuba's import quota on sugar. 1,400 Cuban exiles invaded Cuba at the Bay of Pigs in an attempt to overthrow the Castro regime. Castro declared himself a Marxist-Leninist and announced the Cuban government was adopting communist economic and political policies On February 7, 1962, the United States imposed a full economic embargo on Cuba

Fidel Castro’s Rule of Regime cont. Castro’s regime was successful in reducing illiteracy, stamping out racism and improving public health care, but was widely criticized for stifling economic and political freedoms!

http://www.history.com/videos/kennedy-and-the-cuban-missile-crisis#castro-and-the-cuban-revolution

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