Batista Revolution Essay

In May of 1955, history did absolve Fidel. In an effort to appease international pressure for reform, Batista and his government released many of its political prisoners – of which Fidel and his brother Raul. The evermore-resilient Castro men escaped to Mexico where they sought other disillusioned exiles to join their new “26th of July Movement” (MR-26-7’s). By November of 1956, the new regime was ready for action and boarded a tiny yacht, Granma, heading towards Cuba and the revolution. Battle after battle Batista was unable to thwart the strength of the new movement and their guerrilla tactics. The revolution grew in size and their words were published around the world. Quickly, rebel fighters began staging attacks on Batista – nearly succeeding at an assassination attempt. In 1958, Batista sent troops to the mountains in order to flush out Fidel and his hundreds of men – a feeble attempt that would result in Batista’s men switching sides or deserting. As the movements’ numbers flourished, Fidel staged the final assault. Seeing the
Many of the American-owned companies that were profiting under the Batista dictatorship, were now coming under scrutiny with Fidel as the new leader of the sovereign nation. In an effort to give power back to the Cuban working class, Fidel and his movement forced many American companies and sympathizers out of Cuba. These tensions grew until 1961 when the new President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, succeeded Eisenhower and severed diplomatic relations with Cuba. While many thought Fidel Castro was of little threat to America, Kennedy believed severing ties would show Russia and China our resolve to win the Cold War. Wanting to keep his nation prosperous - despite the exodus of American commerce – Fidel established diplomacy with the Soviet Union and exported their vast sugar cane to the