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Rise of Fidel Castro
Rule of Fidel Castro: Cuban nationalism; political, economic, social and cultura
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What was the background to the Cuban Revolution under Fidel Castro? | Cubans had been fighting for independence since 1895, gaining independence from Spain in 1898. Ruled by dictatorships like Machado and Batista. Castro's revolution was fueled by Cuban nationalism and inspired by José Martí. |
| What were some key policies implemented by Fidel Castro after taking power? | -Repealed many of Batista's policies -Cracked down on crime and prostitution -Nationalized farms and businesses (Agrarian Reform Law) -Raised minimum wage and lowered rents for the poor -Brought public schools and medical clinics to rural areas |
| How did Fidel Castro's regime change Cuba's economy? | -Pursued trade with the USSR -Nationalized businesses, including U.S. oil refineries. -Despite economic challenges, saw improvements in public health, education, and agriculture, with more equitable distribution of resources. |
| What was the Bay of Pigs Invasion? | In April 1961, the U.S. attempted to overthrow Castro by backing Cuban exiles |
| Results of the Bay of Pigs Invasion? | -The invasion failed, resulting in 300 Cuban deaths and 1,200 captures. -Castro ransomed the prisoners for $50 million, strengthening his position. |
| How did Fidel Castro handle opposition to his rule? | - stacked his government with communists, though he denied being one until 1961. -suppressed opposition with events like the Escambray Rebellion (1959-1965). -Dissidents were either exiled (via the Freedom Airlift from 1965-1973) or eliminated. |
| What were some successes of Fidel Castro’s regime? | Free education, healthcare, and improved life expectancy. Economic improvements were seen in some sectors like agriculture and health. |
| What were some failures of Fidel Castro’s regime? | Missed economic targets (e.g., the sugar quota), failure to achieve long-term economic sustainability post-USSR collapse, and hardships during the “special period.” |
| How did the collapse of the USSR affect Cuba? | -The collapse of the USSR in 1991 ended Cuba’s economic support. -The "special period" saw widespread food shortages and a difficult economic environment. -Despite this, tourism grew and helped sustain the economy somewhat. |
| What were some of the long-term impacts of Castro’s rule on the Cuban people? | Positive: Improvements in health, education, and living standards for many. Negative: Ongoing rationing, food shortages, and the strain on the economy post-USSR. The "special period" was especially hard for the Cuban population. |
| What was Castro's relationship with the United States? | -Castro opposed U.S. imperialism, nationalizing U.S.-owned businesses and oil refineries. -The U.S. imposed embargo, led Cuba to seek economic support from the USSR. -U.S. attempts to overthrow Castro, such as the Bay of Pigs invasion, failed. |