Latin American Revolutions
4/3/13
The Cuban Revolution

The Cuban revolution is one of the most pivotal points in the history of the 20th century. The effects of the revolution and the rise to power of Fidel Castro were felt around the world and have had impacts that are still relevant today. Although it took on place in a small country, the Cuban revolution was a large violent exchange of power that altered the political landscape of the time and has had a lasting impact on the western hemisphere. Thin 1933 Cuba went through a violent military coup that left five generals in charge, as time went on one general Fulgencio Batista took power for himself and became president/dictator. Because of his favor with the United States Batista allowed for many American companies to bring business into Cuba and take money away from the Cuban economy and exploit the Cuban workers. Around this time a young Fidel Castro is running for a small public office, when in 1952 Batista cancels the elections for fear of losing and being over thrown. Castro was a bright young lawyer who grew up in the middle class Cuba and had even received some education in America. Upset with the cancelation of elections and the overall corruption of the government, Fidel along with his brother Raul plan and attempt an attack on the Moncada barracks to over throw Batista. The brothers are unsuccessful and consequently thrown in jail. In 1955 the Castro’s are freed from prison and flee to Mexico, while in Mexico they attend the third international a large communist convention. At this convention they are introduced to many political ideas and are introduced Ernesto Che Guevara. A year later the brothers, Che, and a large group of revolutionaries make the dangerous journey back to Cuba. For the next three years Fidel and his group of guerilla freedom fighters would hold up in the mountains of Cuba taking out the supporters of Batista piece by piece. During this time Fidel was able to capture the support of the lower class Cubans, he did this because early in the revolution Castro was a strong nationalist who preached the revival of Cuba and the expulsion of the corrupt business. On January first 1959 Fidel and his men walked into Havana marking their victory and the successful overthrow of Batista. As Castro comes into power he begins to realize that Cuba needs help from other countries. He first turns to the United States looking for a loan but they refuse because of the recent over throw of an American supported dictator. Frustrated with the rejection Castro turns to other world power and U.S. enemy The Soviet Union. As Castro begins to spend more time the communists from Russia his nationalist ideals seem to fade as he begins to focus more on the global economy and