Fidel Castro
Dictator of Cuba
About Castro
Born in Biran as the son of a wealthy farmer, Castro adopted leftist anti-imperialist politics while studying law at the University of Havana. After participating in rebellions against right-wing governments in the Dominican Republic and Colombia, he planned the overthrow of Cuban President Fulgencio Batista, launching a failed attack on the Moncada Barracks in 1953. After a year's imprisonment, he traveled to Mexico where he formed a revolutionary group, the 26th of July Movement, with Che Guevara and his brother Raul Castro. Returning to Cuba, Castro took a key role in the Cuban Revolution by leading the Movement in a guerrilla war against Batista's forces. After Batista was overthrown, Castro took over military and political power. His alliance with the soviets caused great concern to the United States as he let them hold nuclear weapons on Cuba. As leader of Cuba, he treated the citizens like peasants and executed and jailed many for simply disagreeing with him. He promised democracy to the people and brought nothing but another ruthless dictatorship.
Fidel Castro: The Rebel Dictator
Journal Entry
Fidel Castro was a terrible dictator for Cuba. He ,being allied with the soviets, brought communism to Cuba and treated them like nothing. He made the people believe he would the best thing for the country at the time and took advantage of that, letting his power completely take over and shut down Cuba. The citizens were essentially his slaves, they would work for him and were lucky to get a sliver more than nothing in return. He shut down the island so no one could go in or out, families were not allowed to stay in their homes or hotels and some were not even allowed to even see each other. Just like the other dictators in the history of our world, Fidel Castro brought nothing but bad things in his rule.
Essential Question
Why was Castro the man selected to become leader/dictator of Cuba?