Fidel Castro 1927–
Leader of Cuba
In 1952, Fidel Castro was a young Cuban lawyer from a wealthy family. He was interested in politics and planned to run for the Cuban parliament. Then a group of army officers took over the government and cancelled the election. Castro tried challenging the government in court, but failed. He then spent several years trying to organize a successful rebel force to overthrow the government. He finally succeeded, and in 1959 Castro took power.
Castro had promised to restore the constitution and protect people's civil rights. Instead, he became a dictator. He turned Cuba into a communist country and formed close ties with the Soviet Union. His government took over businesses and farms. People who opposed him were killed or put in jail. Some of Castro's programs, like free education and medical care, helped Cuba's working people. But middle class and wealthy people lost their property. Many fled to the United States. Castro has never allowed free elections, and he remains in power today.
Critical Thinking
What effect has Castro's government had on Cuba?