IB History Topic Guerrilla Movements Revision Notes…

Background

The 20th century in Latin America saw widespread inequality, dictatorship, and foreign influence, creating conditions for revolutionary and guerrilla movements.
Guerrilla warfare refers to small, mobile groups using hit-and-run tactics against larger, conventional armies.
The most famous example is the Cuban Revolution (1956–1959) led by Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro, and Che Guevara, which later inspired similar movements across Latin America.
The success of the Cuban rebels turned Cuba into a model for revolutionary struggle against oppression and U.S. imperialism.

Origins of the Movement

Social Inequality
1. Widespread poverty and exploitation in rural Cuba under Fulgencio Batista’s dictatorship.
Political Corruption
1. Batista canceled elections in 1952, ruled by force, and silenced opposition.
U.S. Dominance
1. The U.S. controlled much of Cuba’s sugar industry, railways, and utilities, leading to nationalist resentment.
Failure of Peaceful Reform
1. Traditional parties and student movements failed to bring change through elections or protests.
Inspired by José Martí’s nationalism and Marxist ideas, young revolutionaries believed only armed struggle could achieve justice.

Definition

Dictatorship

A dictatorship is a form of government where a single person or a small group holds absolute power, with no constitutional limitations or effective political opposition.

Case study

The Rise of the Guerrilla Movement in Cuba (1953–1959)

Origins and Formation

The July 26 Movement (M-26-7) was named after Fidel Castro’s failed attack on the Moncada Barracks in 1953.
Though unsuccessful, the attack became a symbol of resistance against Fulgencio Batista’s dictatorship.
After imprisonment, Castro went into exile in Mexico, where he regrouped and recruited fighters, including Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Raúl Castro.
Their goal was to overthrow Batista and create a just, independent Cuba free from corruption and U.S. control.

Guerrilla Warfare and Strategy

In 1956, Castro and 80 rebels returned to Cuba aboard the Granma yacht, landing on the southern coast.
Most were killed upon arrival, but a small group survived and took refuge in the Sierra Maestra Mountains.
They used guerrilla tactics, local knowledge, and peasant support to fight Batista’s larger army.
Propaganda was essential. Radio broadcasts like “Radio Rebelde” spread revolutionary messages across the island.
The movement gained legitimacy by promising land reform, education, and justice for the poor.

Collapse of Batista’s Regime

By 1958, the July 26 Movement had expanded its control across rural Cuba.
Batista’s army grew increasingly corrupt, brutal, and demoralized, losing popular and international support.
Urban uprisings and worker strikes further weakened his rule.
On January 1, 1959, Batista fled Cuba; Castro’s forces entered Havana, marking the triumph of the revolution.
The guerrilla victory replaced dictatorship with a new revolutionary government, led by Castro.

Exam technique

Divide your essay into origins, rise, and consequences.
Use specific examples (Moncada Barracks, Sierra Maestra, U.S. embargo) for clarity.
Link internal causes (inequality, corruption) with Cold War context and U.S. reaction.

Common Mistake

Treating guerrilla movements as only military, without explaining social and political causes.
Ignoring the role of popular support from peasants and students.
Forgetting that consequences included both reforms and repression.
Mixing Cuba’s internal revolution with later guerrilla movements inspired by it.

Theory of Knowledge

Knowledge and Ethics: Can violence ever be justified to achieve justice?
The Cuban guerrilla movement raises moral questions about revolution — whether ending dictatorship through force can justify the loss of lives and freedom.

Active recall

Examine the origins and development of one guerrilla movement in Latin America.
Assess the importance of social and economic factors in the rise of guerrilla movements.
To what extent did guerrilla movements bring lasting political change to Latin America?
Evaluate the regional and international consequences of the Cuban Revolution.

Background

The 20th century in Latin America saw widespread inequality, dictatorship, and foreign influence, creating conditions for revolutionary and guerrilla movements.
Guerrilla warfare refers to small, mobile groups using hit-and-run tactics against larger, conventional armies.
The most famous example is the Cuban Revolution (1956–1959) led by Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro, and Che Guevara, which later inspired similar movements across Latin America.
The success of the Cuban rebels turned Cuba into a model for revolutionary struggle against oppression and U.S. imperialism.

Origins of the Movement

Social Inequality
1. Widespread poverty and exploitation in rural Cuba under Fulgencio Batista’s dictatorship.
Political Corruption
1. Batista canceled elections in 1952, ruled by force, and silenced opposition.
U.S. Dominance
1. The U.S. controlled much of Cuba’s sugar industry, railways, and utilities, leading to nationalist resentment.
Failure of Peaceful Reform
1. Traditional parties and student movements failed to bring change through elections or protests.
Inspired by José Martí’s nationalism and Marxist ideas, young revolutionaries believed only armed struggle could achieve justice.

Definition

Dictatorship

A dictatorship is a form of government where a single person or a small group holds absolute power, with no constitutional limitations or effective political opposition.

Case study

The Rise of the Guerrilla Movement in Cuba (1953–1959)

Origins and Formation

The July 26 Movement (M-26-7) was named after Fidel Castro’s failed attack on the Moncada Barracks in 1953.
Though unsuccessful, the attack became a symbol of resistance against Fulgencio Batista’s dictatorship.
After imprisonment, Castro went into exile in Mexico, where he regrouped and recruited fighters, including Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Raúl Castro.
Their goal was to overthrow Batista and create a just, independent Cuba free from corruption and U.S. control.

Guerrilla Warfare and Strategy

In 1956, Castro and 80 rebels returned to Cuba aboard the Granma yacht, landing on the southern coast.
Most were killed upon arrival, but a small group survived and took refuge in the Sierra Maestra Mountains.
They used guerrilla tactics, local knowledge, and peasant support to fight Batista’s larger army.
Propaganda was essential. Radio broadcasts like “Radio Rebelde” spread revolutionary messages across the island.
The movement gained legitimacy by promising land reform, education, and justice for the poor.

Collapse of Batista’s Regime

By 1958, the July 26 Movement had expanded its control across rural Cuba.
Batista’s army grew increasingly corrupt, brutal, and demoralized, losing popular and international support.
Urban uprisings and worker strikes further weakened his rule.
On January 1, 1959, Batista fled Cuba; Castro’s forces entered Havana, marking the triumph of the revolution.
The guerrilla victory replaced dictatorship with a new revolutionary government, led by Castro.

Exam technique

Divide your essay into origins, rise, and consequences.
Use specific examples (Moncada Barracks, Sierra Maestra, U.S. embargo) for clarity.
Link internal causes (inequality, corruption) with Cold War context and U.S. reaction.

Common Mistake

Treating guerrilla movements as only military, without explaining social and political causes.
Ignoring the role of popular support from peasants and students.
Forgetting that consequences included both reforms and repression.
Mixing Cuba’s internal revolution with later guerrilla movements inspired by it.

Theory of Knowledge

Knowledge and Ethics: Can violence ever be justified to achieve justice?
The Cuban guerrilla movement raises moral questions about revolution — whether ending dictatorship through force can justify the loss of lives and freedom.

Active recall

Examine the origins and development of one guerrilla movement in Latin America.
Assess the importance of social and economic factors in the rise of guerrilla movements.
To what extent did guerrilla movements bring lasting political change to Latin America?
Evaluate the regional and international consequences of the Cuban Revolution.

IB History Guerrilla Movements Notes

IB History Guerrilla Movements Notes

Background

Origins of the Movement

The Rise of the Guerrilla Movement in Cuba (1953–1959)

Background

Origins of the Movement

The Rise of the Guerrilla Movement in Cuba (1953–1959)

Paper 1 - The Move to Global War

Paper 1 - Rights and Protest

Paper 1 - Conflict and Intervention

Paper 2 - Independence Movements

Paper 2 - Emergence and Development of Democratic States

Paper 2 - Authoritarian States

Paper 2 - Causes and Effects of 20th Century Wars

Paper 2 - The Cold War: Superpower Tensions and Rivalries

Paper 3 - History of Europe

Paper 3 - History of the Americas

Paper 3 - History of Asia and Oceania

Paper 1 - The Move to Global War

Paper 1 - Rights and Protest

Paper 1 - Conflict and Intervention

Paper 2 - Independence Movements

Paper 2 - Emergence and Development of Democratic States

Paper 2 - Authoritarian States

Paper 2 - Causes and Effects of 20th Century Wars

Paper 2 - The Cold War: Superpower Tensions and Rivalries

Paper 3 - History of Europe

Paper 3 - History of the Americas

Paper 3 - History of Asia and Oceania

IB History Guerrilla Movements Notes

IB History Guerrilla Movements Notes

Background

Origins of the Movement

The Rise of the Guerrilla Movement in Cuba (1953–1959)

Background

Origins of the Movement

The Rise of the Guerrilla Movement in Cuba (1953–1959)