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THE CUBAN REVOLUTION HISTORICAL CONTEXT: Cuba has had a long history of both Spanish and American occupation. After contact with Christopher Columbus in 1492, Cuba became a Spanish colony and had a turbulent history. Unsuccessful attempts to rebuke Spanish rule occurred throughout the 10-year-war (1868), however the 1895 revolution was successful as a result of American intervention, which helped Cuba secure independence from Spain. Dot Point Monroe Doctrine

General Knowledge  Statement outlining the US as ‘protectors’  aimed to limit European power in S.A  ‘justified’ US actions in Cuba

Platt Amendment

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So What? By intervening in Cuba’s revolution against Spain, the US wanted to secure more power by obtaining influence over the ‘Western Hemisphere’, however this caused unrest and helped establish ‘anti-imperialist’ sentiments within Cuba’s population

Gave the US rights to intervene in Cuba Restricted Cuba’s right to create other treaties Gave the US rights to use Cuba’s land for military motives

Political, Economic and Social conditions under Batista Batista, like previous presidents, found it difficult to maintain stability in Cuba. His administration was extremely corrupted, and he enforced cooperation through police and military compliance. Batista found it difficult to maintain stability within Cuba, and many grievances of the country worsened throughout his presidency Fulgencio Batista (1901 – 1973):     

Elected in 1940 Previous army general  president of Cuba Was supported by the US in his political ambitions Staged a military coup which allowed him to rise to power again in 1952 ‘Corrupt and brutal’ dictator

Context for Batista

Why become president?

General Knowledge  Political and social unrest  increased in cities and countryside  Wanted to write a new constitution

Government

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  Regaining Power by Military Coup

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‘Hand-picked police force’  extensive system of extortion and kickbacks o Bars, stores were forced to contribute to police precincts 1944  Batista ends his first term as President Succeeding Cuban governments were just as corrupt  feeding the political grievances 10 March 1952  Batista overthrows the Provisional government by coup Knew he had ‘no chance’ of winning elections and did not want to be ‘displaced economically’ Ensured his grip on the government Guaranteed profits from pol. Corruption and ‘gangsterism’

“From a corrupt democracy, Cuba has now shifted to a corrupt dictatorship.”

So What? Batista’s political landscape was based on corruption. He was unable to bring stability to Cuba, disregarding the people’s discontents. His establishment of a police state – who operated with brutality – only worsened his favour with the people.

POLITICAL

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ECONOMIC

Lack of freedom of speech Lack of freedom of the press Banned elections Opposition parties were banned US intervention: lack of freedom and complete political control CORRUPT GOVERNMENT

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American Influence left the country in debt Economy in ruins due to struggle to achieve independence from Spain Price fluctuations Many sugar plantations belonged to American businessmen  Cuba was not making money Poorer citizens in debt

SOCIAL

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Unemployment (a result of price fluctuations) Racial divide Urban/rural divide POVERTY  malnourishment Police State and police brutality

Causes of Revolution in Cuba The Causes of the Revolution can be split into three main sections: Class Conflict/Inequities, Political Instability, and US-Resentment. However, as an economically advancing society, the Cuban population was developing a growing intelligentsia, who consequently began to question Cuba’s political scene and to resent Batista. As Batista’s regime continued, people became tired of the corruption that so often infused the government and the elite. After moderately peaceful protests were ignored, a revolution proved to be the only solution to the ever-growing grievances of the Cuban people. Fidel Castro (1926 – 2016):    

Grew up in a wealthy Cuban family Became politically active while studying Law at University Works of Karl Marx and Lenin were influential in developing Castro’s plans to organise revolution and establish a communist state Viewed the only way to achieve change as through revolution

Syllabus Dot Point

Long Term Causes and Pre-Conditions

General Knowledge Class Conflict + Inequities  Large socio-economic divides in Cuba’s population established social unrest  Land in the hands of the ‘elite’  Poorer Cubans in debt, often unemployed  Malnourishment  Limited educational and medical care  Segregation and racial discrimination      

Political Instability Violent, chaotic, corrupt political history Power often remained in the hands of the ‘corrupt elite’ Political leaders had limited experience and understanding of how to govern, failed to bring stability to Cuba Were unable to maintain a stable government throughout economic and social emergencies Government was unwilling to introduce positive reforms for the people A corrupt and inefficient government  easier to challenge

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So What? The revolution was seen as the only solution to the evergrowing grievances of Cuban society.

  Batista’s Cuba and the people’s response; Grievances

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US Resentment US had previously intervened in Cuba’s political affairs to gain them independence from Spain Often abused their rights in international relations as they used various amendments to influence Cuba politically and economically Corrupt + dictatorial + brutal Peaceful attempts at change failed  resorted to violence Castro argued - ‘Their duty to liberate Cuba’ Growing opposition pressure Batista used violent measures and oppression to limit or quash opposition  created significant social unrest Police savagery and corruption only advocated for resentment to build

Anti-Imperialism US interference and presence ‘angered many Cubans’ US investment benefited a minority of people – the wealthy industries, not the agricultural centres Frustrated by US support for Batista’s corrupt dictatorship

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Anti-Corruption The Cuban population was tired of their corrupt governments Criminal and injurious activities fluctuated under Batista’s rule  major criticism from the public and political groups

‘Revolution, opens the way to true merit to those who have sincere courage and ideas, to those who risk their lives and take the battle standard in their hands.’

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Social Division Society clearly divided – the elite who benefitted from corruption and the majority who did not Tired of the differences in qualities of life, because of the position of their house outside of major urban areas Wanted greater access to educational + medical services + protection from gov. and better working conditions

KEY ISSUES: The course of the revolution Batista ultimately fell out of favour with the US as they withdrew their support. Castro ensured support through popular reforms, and a call to improve basic living conditions. Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara :   

Argentinian Trained medical doctor Critical of US involvement in overthrowing progressive governments in Sth America

Early attempts to Overthrow Batista

General Knowledge

Castro’s aims and issues with the Batista registration

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Early attempts to overthrow Batista

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Wanted more civil rights Wanted open elections Wanted educational and social reforms Remove US dominance of Cuba’s political affairs and economy Nationalise industries 1953  attack on Moncada barracks (purpose?) Ruel + Fidel Castro sent to prison; ‘Isle of Pines’ Established foundations for the rev.

Sources

So What?

The event  a symbol for the July 26 Movement Batista lost the support of the people US withdrew support for Batista  Batista forced to flee Allowed Castro to seize control of the government o

How did Castro eventually defeat Batista and gain control of Cuba’s government?

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Castro left for Mexico 7 July 1955 ‘fundraising’ for the revolutionaries 25 Nov. – 2 Dec. 1956  the ‘Granma’  Castro’s rebels invaded Cuba o Received by government with an ambush o Revolution actively began

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Local population created blockades to restrict the movement of Batista’s troops Batista flees Cuba in 1 January 1959 to the Dominican Republic Castro obtains power Captured and jailed Batista government officials Released those jailed by Batista Castro reached Havana 8 January  more than ½ million Cubans greeted him  enthusiastic support

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Appeal of Castro new ideologies

alist Batista O rom Spain

Factors for Revolutionary Success

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Governm Corruptio

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evidence th change = ne

e on USA

Divided Society racial, ideological, economic status divides rural/urban divide rural areas demonstrated there were reasons for grievances

The creation of the communist state Castro made a number of significant social reforms in relation to land, health and addressing literacy rates in Cuba. The regime was brutal against all political enemies and officers of the Batista Government. Castro’s promise of free elections would not be realised as Cuba would emerge as a Communist state Syllabus Dot Point Land Reform Social Reforms

Challenges

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Restrictions on rent Restrictions on the import of luxury goods Reduction in electricity prices Medical supplies cheaper and more accessible Government organisations and programs to introduce basic literary skills to rural areas

Sources

So What?

-200,000 volunteers organised by the government

Counter-revolutionary forces  small scale war Disagreements between political parties

Ideology of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, and their influence across Latin America Castro aimed to create a society underpinned by two main ideas: anti-imperialism and socialism. The Castro government made a number of significant reforms in regard to education, land and health – ultimately enabling Castro and the Cuban revolution to emerge as a symbol and model for further reform across Latin America. ‘We were only a group of combatants with high ideals and little preparation … we had to change the structures and we began the changes without a plan.’ – Che Guevara Syllabus Dot Point Anti-Imperialism

General Knowledge -

Wanted to ensure that Cuba would not be controlled by an external power

Communism

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A form of socialism developed by Karl Marx in which the means of production, such as land and factories, are owned collectively Wanted to eliminate the idea of wealthy individuals dominating society Believed it would being a fairer and more stable society Would become more equal and eliminate class oppression Believed communism would help Cubans become more selfless

“…the more we dig deeper and uncover the bloody claws of imperialism…the more we see and discover all the truths contained in the doctrine of Marxism.”

‘direct government’  constant contact with the people  continuously gain their support and popularity Reformist government o Lowered rents o Attacked gambling and prostitution from Batista’s regime o Set new wage levels

‘for the first time… there are worthy men at the head of the government.’

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Castro’s Administration

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So What? Castro and his government gained support from the people, through actively inducing reforms that aligned with the Cuban population’s want for social justice and equality.

Impact a across Latin America

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Could help establish further communist governments (internationalism )

Upsurge in Guerrilla Warfare and urban terrorism 1962  Cuban government provided moral and material support to guerrilla movements

Nature of guerrilla warfare and the activities of the revolutionaries Guerrilla warfare is unconventional warfare, usually comprised of small groups of combatants, using military tactics such as sabotage, raids, ambushes, and mobility to fight a larger force. Castro’s warfare was based on ‘constant mobility, constant distrust, constant vigilance.’ Castro developed a close relationship with Cuban peasants which allowed him to gain additional trust and support – a decisive factor in war Batista. Syllabus Dot Point Guerrilla Warfare

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Castro’s Warfare

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So What?

Psychological damage and the weakening of the government  alliances and trust to shift Intelligence networks Allowed the revolutionaries to gain an advantage over Batista through small yet concentrated attacks Depended on the power and support from the people o Sold supplies, and other necessities

Castro’s relationship with the peasants and local Cuban’s allowed him to gain their trust and support which ultimately proved to be a decisive factor in the effectiveness of Guerrilla Warfare against Batista. Their knowledge of the local areas, etc. allowed Castro’s men to be more prepared and when Castro came to power, he already had the support of the people.

Describe the types of tactics that Castro (used and) found effective while fighting the Cuban government’s army.

Castro used ambushes to surprise the Cuban government’s army. He varied his attacks so that they would threaten a variety of different aspects of the opposing army, thus continuously establishing fear and confusion. A common tactic Castro employed was ambushing the Cuban government army when they were most vulnerable – such as at night, or when they were travelling on steep, mountainous hills or rocky and unpaved paths. Castro liked to ‘attack them in ways and in places they weren’t expecting,’ often altering the number of surprise ambushes, attacks, and what positions of the government army they struck. Construct a paragraph explaining why the Barbudos were effective in the war against Batista.

The Barbudos were immensely effective in the war against Batista due to their popular support amongst the Cuban people, and as a result of their organised and well-developed ‘fighting force.’ Through providing ‘free territories,’ and establishing basic educational and medicinal facilities, they gained large support and favour from poorer Cubans, which consequently enabled them to grow their forces as they attracted more and more followers. Furthermore, their organised fighting force employed intelligent strategies to successfully combat against the Cuban government’s own armies. Use of Guerrilla Warfare from Castro and his men proved to be extremely effective, as they often caused confusion and fear, and ultimately weakened the opposing army. Their large force allowed them to ‘diversify the types of ambushes’ (Castro) , and they had the ability and numbers to attack with the brute force required in order to successfully attain victory. Hence, it was through the combination of their ability to gain support from the Cuban population and with their large fighting force

that justify for their effectiveness in the war against Batista.

Aftermath of the revolution The Castro administration soon faced significant challenges in the aftermath of the Revolution, largely due to the increasing movement towards communism. Castro chose to intensify the revolutionary process by targeting medium-sized agricultural estates for expropriation. More cattle ranches were seized and new laws provided firmer controls and higher taxes for foreign-owned businesses. Syllabus Dot Point

Reforms

General Knowledge - Nationalised businesses  confiscated US businesses  ‘antagonised’ the US  put an embargo on Cuban goods entering the States - 1959 - Farmland reform law – limited farms to a max. size of 1000 acres - Institute of Agrarian reform (INRA) o Construction of roads, schools, housing

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So What? The decision to nationalise business immediately distanced and unnerved the US, leading to the opportunity of relations between the USSR and Cuba

International relations and foreign policy, including relations with the USA The United States did not support Castro’s rise to power. As Castro was supported by numerous Communists, the US viewed Cuba as a threat, and as relations between the USSR and Cuba grew, Cuba’s relationship with the USA deteriorated. The close proximity of which Cuba was situated to the US only increased this sentiment. The introduction of the Cold War aided to heighten tension, with Russia choosing to place nuclear missiles inside Cuba’s borders. Syllabus Dot Point

International Relations between Cuba and the USA

Cuba and the USSR

Bay of Pigs

General Knowledge - US was concerned Castro developing ties with communist nations - 1959 Castro visits the US - Castro wanted ‘friendly relations’ amongst the USA - US refused to buy sugar from Cuba  American businesses damaged - Castro turned to the Soviet Union o 1961 trade deal; USSR purchasing sugar and sell weapons to Castro - Development of the Cold War -

Cuban Missile Crisis

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Cuban Victory US wanted to overthrow Castro with a COVERT OPERATION An embarrassment to the US government and JFK Photographic proof of Soviet missiles in Cuban territory US established a ‘naval blockade’ to try and limit USSR missiles being imported USSR removed missiles  US pledged to remove missiles in Turkey

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So What? -relationship between the US and Cuba deteriorated as relations with the USSR grew

-US enforced harsh trade embargoes (restrictions) on Cuba  difficulty for modernisation

The legacy of the Cuban Revolution Both Che Guevara and Fidel Castro introduced invaluable achievements to the Cuban population, both politically, economically, and socially. While Castro is largely celebrated for his reforms in health and education, as well as his role in ‘internationalism’ (Latin America, Africa), many historians argue that Castro went on a ‘bloody rampage’ after seizing power – executing hundreds of government officials, persecuting homosexual Cubans, journalists, and activists – creating a regime of repression. Fidel Castro  Life improved ‘dramatically’ for most Cubans 

Medical and educational standards and abilities improved, with rates of ‘near-universal literary’ among the country

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Granted equality for socio-economic status’, and for blacks and coloured Cubans

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Made Cuba an ‘independent nation’ - less reliant on the US and imperialism

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‘Thousands’ of Cubans imprisoned, harassed and interrogated as a result of their opposition ‘denied political freedoms’

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Introduction of recessive policies, such as surveillance, arbitrary detention, beatings, public acts of repudiation are still practised by the Cuban government and authorities

Che Guevara  Went abroad to help revolutionaries in the Congo and Bolivia – became a symbol of rebellion and revolution ; and also encouraging i...