The Cuban Revolution

Batista's Cuba: Before the Cuban Revolution, Cuba was ruled by President Fulgencio Batista, who had a corrupt government and ignored the needs of the poor. This angered many Cubans who wanted change.

What was the Cuban Revolution?: The Cuban Revolution began in 1953, led by Fidel Castro. It aimed to overthrow Batista's government. After a series of struggles, Castro and his followers succeeded in 1959, turning Cuba into a communist state.

Cuban Missile Crisis: This occurred in 1962 when the U.S. discovered that the Soviet Union was placing nuclear missiles in Cuba. It was a tense period that almost led to nuclear war between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The crisis ended with the missiles being removed in exchange for the U.S. promising not to invade Cuba.

US-Cuba Embargo: After the revolution, the U.S. imposed an embargo on Cuba, which is a trade restriction, to punish the Cuban government for its communist policies. This made it hard for Cuba to buy goods and affected its economy.

Castro's False Promise: Fidel Castro promised to improve the lives of all Cubans, but many people felt that their freedoms were taken away. For example, the government controlled all media and arrested people who opposed Castro.

Cuba Today: Today, Cuba is still a communist country. Conditions have improved in some ways, such as healthcare and education, but many people still struggle with economic issues and lack of personal freedoms.

Castro's Real Changes: Castro's government did bring changes, like making healthcare and education available to everyone. Still, many argue that these achievements came at the cost of personal freedoms.

Overall Effects of Castro on Cuba: Castro's rule changed Cuba significantly. While some people benefited from education and health services, many others faced hardships due to the government's strict control and ongoing economic difficulties. The legacy of the revolution and Castro's leadership is complex and still felt in Cuba today.