When the Cuban Revolution succeeded in overthrowing dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959, rebel commander Fidel Castro declared, "The Revolution begins now." Over the next five decades, Castro remade Cuba into a one-party socialist nation. The Cuban Revolution survived attempts to topple Castro's government, a crippling American embargo, a cold war-era nuclear confrontation, and many difficult economic downturns. Although it created successful social programs and produced a more equitable society, it failed to live up to the democratic ideals promised by denying basic civil liberties and jailing political opponents. Additionally, more than a million Cubans left their homeland, turning their backs on their country so long as Castro's regime was in charge. Read more about this dramatic period in Latin American history in The Cuban Revolution.
Milestones in Modern World History introduces students to seminal historical events that helped shape the modern world. Bolstered by biographical sketches, illustrations, photographs, excerpts from primary source documents, and first-person narratives, this curriculum-based series is ideal for students writing reports.
1 The Revolution Begins 7
2 Origins of the Cuban Revolution 19
3 The Insurrection Begins 38
4 The Rebels Win 54
5 Castro Consolidates Power 67
6 Defending the Revolution 80
7 The Revolution Endures 97
8 The Impact of the Cuban Revolution 113
Chronology and Timeline 122
Notes 125
Bibliography 128
Further Resources 132
Picture Credits 134
Index 135
About the Author 140
Overview
When the Cuban Revolution succeeded in overthrowing dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959, rebel commander Fidel Castro declared, "The Revolution begins now." Over the next five decades, Castro remade Cuba into a one-party socialist nation. The Cuban Revolution survived attempts to topple Castro's government, a crippling American embargo, a cold war-era nuclear confrontation, and many difficult economic downturns. Although it created successful social programs and produced a more equitable society, it failed to live...