Emergence of Authoritarian States

Economic Dependency

Cuba's economy was heavily reliant on U.S. corporations, which owned much of the land and industry.

Moncada Programme

Proposed land redistribution, fair wages, and national sovereignty to alleviate economic disparity in Cuba.

Socioeconomic Inequality

The disparity where wealthy landowners and U.S. businesses thrived while workers and peasants faced poverty.

Repression and Violence

Methods used by Batista’s regime to suppress opposition, leading to increased tensions in Cuban society.

Guatemala Coup (1954)

A U.S. intervention that heightened Castro's fears of foreign interference, prompting the need for revolutionary action.

Corruption

The state of governance in Cuba characterized by unstable governments and rigged elections, resulting from U.S. intervention.

Charismatic Leadership

Fidel Castro's ability to present himself as a national savior, rallying support through passionate speeches.

Guerrilla Warfare

A military strategy used by Castro during the Sierra Maestra campaign, characterized by hit-and-run tactics against Batista's forces.

Propaganda

The use of media control and political speeches to shape public perception and rally support for Castro's regime.

Anti-Imperialism

A key aspect of Castro's ideology, seeking to resist U.S. influence and control over Cuba.

Universal Welfare Policies

Implemented reforms including free education and healthcare aimed at promoting economic equality in Cuba.

Censorship

The suppression of anti-Castro media and control of information to maintain the regime's narrative.

Cold War Influences

The geopolitical context during which Castro declared Cuba a socialist state, following U.S. interventions.

Urban vs. Rural Divide

The socioeconomic gap between impoverished rural areas and wealthier urban centers, fueling revolutionary sentiments.

Social Justice

One of Castro's core themes in his speeches, advocating for equality and better living conditions for the Cuban populace.