The Cuban Revolution: From Batista to Castro
Repercussions in Latin America
Political and Social Upheaval
- Increased worker and middle-class mobilization, challenging oligarchic regimes.
- Rise of the armed forces in politics.
- Breakdown of the liberal-conservative consensus.
- Political instability marked by successive military governments and unorthodox experiments (corporatism, populism, nationalism).
- Intense polarization between the left and right.
- Influence of US formal and informal imperialism.
- Lower impact of the 1930s crisis in the Caribbean due to persistent dictatorial and repressive governments, strong military presence, gang activity, and influence of local oligarchies.
Cuba: From Spanish Colony to Socialist State
Early History and US Influence
Following the end of Spanish rule, Cuba’s Caribbean culture was significantly impacted. A mix of mulattos and blacks heavily influenced Cuban culture. Cuba remained under Spanish influence throughout the 19th century, relying on slave or low-wage labor with poor living conditions. Independence in 1898, supported by the US, did not improve the situation. US capitalists became the new plantation owners. Cuba became a prime example of US neo-capitalism, where the US maintained economic control under the guise of protecting weaker nations. This economic dependence, coupled with US control over public services, fueled Cuban resentment and nationalist movements throughout the 20th century.
The Rise of Fidel Castro
In July 1953, a student protest against the Batista dictatorship, though a military failure, became a political victory. Fidel Castro, a participant, was imprisoned and later deported to Mexico. There, he organized a guerrilla army with Ernesto “Che” Guevara, a young Argentine doctor. After years of fighting, the guerrilla forces grew, and the Cuban armed forces weakened, leading to the revolution’s triumph.
Post-Revolution Cuba
Manuel Urrutia and Miro Cardona initially led a moderate government. However, popular pressure led to rent reductions and agrarian reform, prompting their resignation. Osvaldo Dorticos became president, with Fidel Castro as prime minister. Tensions with the US escalated, leading to the suspension of the sugar quota. Cuba turned to the USSR to absorb the quota. Fidel Castro’s First Declaration of Havana reaffirmed Cuba’s sovereignty.
The Bay of Pigs and the Missile Crisis
After the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Dorticos-Castro government launched literacy campaigns, expanded medical coverage, and initiated urban renewal. Cuba’s economic development remained challenging due to its dependence on sugar production. Strained relations with the USSR led to the installation of Soviet missile bases in Cuba, sparking the Cuban Missile Crisis. Negotiations between Kennedy and Khrushchev averted nuclear war. Cuba subsequently sought other socialist allies.
International Isolation
Latin American governments, following the US, broke diplomatic and economic ties with Cuba, participating in the US-led blockade.