Background
- After overthrowing Fulgencio Batista in January 1959, Fidel Castro established the first lasting socialist state in the Americas.
- His government aimed to achieve independence from foreign control, economic equality, and social justice.
- Initially popular for reforms in land, education, and healthcare, Castro’s rule gradually became authoritarian as he centralized power.
- Cuba’s revolution became a symbol of anti-imperialism during the Cold War, especially against U.S. influence in Latin America.
Definition
Anti-imperialism
- Anti-imperialism is a political stance opposing imperialism, which is the policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or economic domination.
Cuban Nationalism
- Castro sought to end Cuba’s long dependence on the United States, which had dominated trade and investment before 1959.
- Promoted Cuban pride, independence, and revolutionary identity as part of his nationalist message.
- Rejected U.S. influence by nationalizing American-owned companies and forming alliances with the Soviet Union.
- Encouraged a non-aligned identity in global politics, although Cuba remained closely tied to the USSR until 1991.
- Used nationalism to unite citizens under the idea of defending the revolution from foreign threats.
Definition
Non-Aligned Movement
- The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a group of countries that chose not to formally align with either the United States or the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Political Policies
- Created a one-party state under the Communist Party of Cuba (1965), eliminating political opposition.
- Controlled the media, judiciary, and trade unions to maintain loyalty to the revolution.
- Established Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDRs) to monitor citizens’ activities at the local level.
- Allied with the Soviet Union for economic and military support, leading to events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962).
- Repressed political dissent but used the revolutionary government to expand education, literacy, and participation in state programs.
Definition
Communism
- Political system where the state controls the economy and promotes equality.
Economic Policies
- Introduced land reform (1959), breaking up large estates and redistributing land to peasants.
- Nationalized all major industries, banks, and foreign companies to eliminate capitalist control.
- Shifted toward a planned economy, guided by the state rather than market forces.
- Relied heavily on Soviet aid, sugar exports, and oil imports during the Cold War.
