Batista Fulgencio
Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar maintained direct and indirect influence and power in the Cuban government for over twenty-five years. Batista's first term of presidency was characterized with "strong leadership that fostered economic growth." Batista is better known for his second presidency, however, which was characterized by the forceful and oppressive means in which he ruled Cuba as well as corruption in the government. His second presidency left Cuba in turmoil and disaster, opening the door for Fidel Castro to begin rule. Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar was born in Banes, Cuba in 1901 to parents of mixed descent. His parents, who's mixed ancestry included that of "Negro, white, Indian, and Chinese," lived and worked on a sugar plantation as peasant laborers. Batista was educated at an American Quaker School; after his education, he worked in a variety of trades. Then, in 1921, he joined the Cuban National Army. After two years of active duty in the army, he resigned and started clerical work for the Cuban National Army. By 1932, he was a military court stenographer and obtained the rank of sergeant. On September 4, 1933, Batista took control of the Cuban government in an uprising known as the "Revolt of the Sergeants," Batista's first coup overthrew Gerardo Machado's liberal government. After the first coup, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes was in power for three weeks. After those three weeks, Cuba was ruled by a Council of Five; on September 10, 1933, with Batista's support, Ramón Grau San Martín was installed as head of the government for a four-month period. Grau was a professor at the University of Havana and was a "hero of the student leftists." On January 14, 1934, Ramón Grau San Martín was replaced by Carlos Mendieta. On January 19, 1934, the United States recognized Cuba's new government. This overthrow also marked the start of the army's influence "as an organized force in the running of the government." Batista also appointed himself as Army