cuban revolution

Who was the Cuban leader before the revolution?

President Fulgencio Batista – a corrupt dictator supported by the US.

What were political conditions in Cuba under Batista?

Corruption, censorship, repression of opposition, US influence over politics.

What were economic conditions in Cuba under Batista?

US companies controlled sugar, tobacco & land; huge wealth gap; poverty for peasants.

What were social conditions in Cuba under Batista?

Poor education, poor healthcare, poverty for majority while elites & US companies were wealthy.

What event in 1953 marked the start of Castro’s revolutionary activity?

Moncada Barracks attack – failed uprising led by Castro, who was jailed.

What was the Granma expedition (1956)?

Castro, Che Guevara, and 80 men landed in Cuba from Mexico to begin guerrilla warfare.

What was the role of guerrilla warfare in the revolution?

Small ambushes, support from peasants, built momentum against Batista’s army.

What changes did Castro introduce after victory?

Land reforms, free education, free healthcare, nationalisation of industries.

What was Che Guevara’s role?

Guerrilla leader, promoted international revolutions, spread Marxist ideology.

How did the US respond to Castro’s reforms?

Hostility → embargo, Bay of Pigs invasion (1961), Cuban Missile Crisis (1962).

Why did Cuba ally with the USSR?

To gain economic support and protection from the US after the embargo.

What were the positive impacts of the revolution?

Improved literacy, healthcare, land redistribution, independence from US control.

What were the negative impacts of the revolution?

Censorship, one-party state, repression of opposition, dependence on USSR.