Castro’s social, economic, political policies and their impact on Cuban society. Teo Li Hui

Background information Fidel Castro assumed full control of Presidential power in July Once established as Cuba’s leader he began to pursue more radical policies – socialistic. Creation of a one-party government to exercise dictatorial control over all aspects of Cuba’s political, economic, and cultural life. Reference: (assessed on 12/09/2011), Encyclopedia Brittanica (assessed on 12/09/2011)

Reference: Tad Szulc, A Critical Portrait, page 463 Castro set out from his first day in power to destroy every vestige of the old social order in Cuba.

Social Policies The New Man’s Theory Socialistic policies Educational and health services were made available to Cubans free of charge, and every citizen was guaranteed employment. Had strong views on morality. Reference: (assessed on 13/09/2011)

Reference: George Calloway, Fidel Castro Handbook, page 316 ‘For Castro, freedom begins with education.’ Barbara Walters, NBC presenter

Reference: George Calloway, Fidel Castro Handbook, page 179 “From now on, the children of the peasants will have schools, sport facilities and medical attention, and the peasants will count for the first time as an essential element of the nation.” Fidel Castro

Impact As education in Cuba was made free, illiteracy was made a thing of the past. Free healthcare services and a massive inoculation helped to reduce infant mortality rates. Doctors were redistributed all over Cuba and were not only found in Havana, where all the rich people lived. Reference: (assessed on 13/09/2011)

Economic Policies Cuba’s private commerce and industry were nationalized; agrarian reforms. Economic decision-making power was concentrated in a centralized bureaucracy headed by Castro. Trade agreement with Soviet Union in Reference: (assessed on 13/09/2011, Encyclopedia Brittanica (assessed on 12/09/2011), George Calloway, Fidel Castro Handbook, page 179www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk

Impact The economic reforms brought a fall in unemployment, a rise in living standards and consumer boom. With inefficient industries and a stagnant agriculture, Cuba became increasingly dependent on favourable Soviet trade policies. Trade agreement with Soviet Union deepened American distrust and severed economic and diplomatic ties. Reference: (assessed on 13/09/2011, Encyclopedia Brittanica (assessed on 13/09/2011), George Calloway, Fidel Castro Handbook, page 182www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk

Political Policies Developed aggressive policies towards the US. Foreign policy included the support of revolutionary groups in other countries. All political dissent and opposition were ruthlessly suppressed. Reference: (assessed on 13/09/2011), Encyclopedia Brittanica (assessed on 12/09/2011) and (assessed on 13/09/2011)

Impact In 1961, Cuba was declared a socialist nation. Ten of thousands from the higher capitalist class and the Jews left for the US. The United States was alienated by the new economic reforms and offended by Castro’s fiery new anti-American rhetoric. Bay of Pigs 1961 Reference: Encyclopedia Brittanica (assessed on 12/09/2011) and (assessed on 13/09/2011)