Castro’s Communist Cuba: Rise to Power and Consolidation/Maintenance of Power

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Castro’s Communist Cuba, emphasizing the rise and consolidation of power.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy introduced in 1823 that opposed European colonialism in the Americas.

Spanish-American War

A conflict in 1898 between Spain and the U.S. that led to U.S. intervention in the Caribbean and resulted in the independence of Cuba.

Platt Amendment

A 1901 amendment which established the terms under which the U.S. would end its military occupation of Cuba.

Good Neighbor Policy

A policy initiated by FDR in 1933 aimed at improving relations between the U.S. and Latin America.

Fulgencio Batista

A Cuban dictator who ruled from 1933 to 1959 and was ousted by Fidel Castro.

Five Revolutionary Laws

Proposed by Castro, these laws called for land reform, restoring the 1940 Constitution profit-sharing for sugar planters (55%), profit-sharing for workers (30%), and confiscation of property for those who convicted for fraud/corruption

26th of July Movement

A movement led by Fidel Castro that aimed to overthrow Batista and instigate a socialist revolution in Cuba.

Bay of Pigs Invasion

An unsuccessful military invasion of Cuba undertaken by CIA-sponsored paramilitary group in April 1961.

Cuban Missile Crisis

A 13-day confrontation in 1962 between the U.S. and the Soviet Union over Soviet missiles deployed in Cuba.

Varela Project

A proposal initiated by Cuban dissidents in 1998 advocating for democratic reforms and human rights in Cuba.

Poder Popular

The system of municipal government established in Cuba's 1976 constitution, promoting local democratic participation.

Agrarian Reform Act

A law enacted in 1959 that aimed to distribute land to peasants and redistribute large estates.

Radio Rebelde

A radio station founded by Castro that broadcast revolutionary propaganda.

Socialism-in-one-country

A Marxist principle advocating that socialism can be achieved in a single country, even if other countries remain capitalist.

Cuban Revolution

The 1953-1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro that resulted in the overthrow of Batista's government.

Ochoa Affair

A political scandal in 1989 involving the execution of General Ochoa for drug smuggling and corruption.

Rectification campaign

A campaign initiated by Castro in the mid-1980s aiming to correct economic inefficiencies and bureaucratic errors in Cuban socialism.

Dual Power

The political situation following the Cuban Revolution where multiple factions competed for power within the revolutionary government.

Communist Party of Cuba (PCC)

The ruling political party in Cuba, formed in 1965 after a series of mergers of other parties.