Fidel Castro

Who was Castro?

Fidel Castro was a wealthy Cuban who trained as a lawyer. He was a revolutionary and nationalist who became the communist leader of Cuba.

How did Castro take over Cuba?

Castro organised a revolutionary group called the 26th of July Movement to overthrow the US-backed Cuban government.

When did Castro overthrow the government of Cuba?

Fidel Castro led a guerrilla force to overthrow the US-backed dictator, President Batista, in 1959.

When did Castro rule Cuba?

Castro was Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976, although he led the country until his death in 2016.

What were Castro's ideas?

Castro promised to restore power to the Cuban people and to end American corruption in the country.

How did Castro change industry?

After 1959, Castro introduced 3 important changes to the Cuban economy.

• ❖ He nationalised the telephone industry so it was cheaper.
• ❖ He cut rents for low earners by up to 50%.
• ❖ He nationalised land that was owned by foreigners and redistributed it back to Cuban peasants.

How did Castro change education?

Castro made free education available to everyone. He encouraged students to travel to the countryside and teach people to read.

How did Castro change healthcare?

Castro built new training schools for doctors, redistributed doctors from wealthy Havana to other parts of the country, and provided free healthcare for all Cubans.

How did Castro change Cuba's international relations?

Castro negotiated trade agreements with communist countries such as the USSR to trade goods such as sugar in return for weapons.

How did Castro control politics?

About 90% of the population supported Castro, although he never held free elections and he imprisoned and exiled people who disagreed with him.

How did Castro change Cuban society?

Fidel Castro ended the segregation of facilities such as beaches and hotels for different racial groups.

Who opposed Fidel Castro?

90% of the Cuban population supported Castro, but he had 2 important opponents and critics.

• ❖ Members of Batista's regime were exiled to America, where they put pressure on the US government to depose Castro.
• ❖ Americans were angry at losing their land and industries to nationalisation.

What role did Fidel Castro play in the Cold War?

Castro was in power during the Bay of Pigs Crisis and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Relations between America and Cuba deteriorated during this time.