Cuban Revolution
The most transformative event for Latin America would have to be the Cuban
Revolution. It all began when when Sergeant Fulgencio Batista seized power during a election.
Batista had been president from 1940-1944 and ran for president in 1952. When it became apparent that he would lose, he took power before the elections and cancelled them. The people in Cuba were disgusted with his power grab, which left them preferring Cuba’s democracy. Fidel Castro being a rising political maker, decided to plot against Batista. On the July
26, 1953, Castro made his move. In order to suceed, he needed weapons, therefore he chose to attack the Moncada Barracks. He had 138 men attacked the compound at dawn: it was hoped that the element of surprise would make up for the rebels’ lack of numbers and arms. The attack was a fiasco almost from the start and the rebels were routed after a firefight that lasted a few hours.
Many were captured. Fidel and his younger brother escaped, but were captured later. But Fidel being an attorney, was able to turn the tables on Batista by making the trial about the power grab. Basically, his argument was that as a loyal Cuban, he had taken up arms against the dictatorship because it was his civic duty. He made long speeches and the government tried to shut him up. He was sentenced to fifteen years in prison. But somehow manage to become a nationally recognized figure and a hero to many poor Cubans.
Even other rebel groups took up the fight as well. They stood behind Castro, giving Batista no choice but to leave. He and his inner circle, took what loot they could gather up and fled. Batista authorized some of his subordinates to deal with Castro and the rebels. The people of Cuba took to the streets, joyfully greeting the rebels. Little did the people now that Castro was a communist and that change was going to happen.
The revolution in Cuba was a disaster, especially for the Cuban people. There
Revolution. It all began when when Sergeant Fulgencio Batista seized power during a election.
Batista had been president from 1940-1944 and ran for president in 1952. When it became apparent that he would lose, he took power before the elections and cancelled them. The people in Cuba were disgusted with his power grab, which left them preferring Cuba’s democracy. Fidel Castro being a rising political maker, decided to plot against Batista. On the July
26, 1953, Castro made his move. In order to suceed, he needed weapons, therefore he chose to attack the Moncada Barracks. He had 138 men attacked the compound at dawn: it was hoped that the element of surprise would make up for the rebels’ lack of numbers and arms. The attack was a fiasco almost from the start and the rebels were routed after a firefight that lasted a few hours.
Many were captured. Fidel and his younger brother escaped, but were captured later. But Fidel being an attorney, was able to turn the tables on Batista by making the trial about the power grab. Basically, his argument was that as a loyal Cuban, he had taken up arms against the dictatorship because it was his civic duty. He made long speeches and the government tried to shut him up. He was sentenced to fifteen years in prison. But somehow manage to become a nationally recognized figure and a hero to many poor Cubans.
Even other rebel groups took up the fight as well. They stood behind Castro, giving Batista no choice but to leave. He and his inner circle, took what loot they could gather up and fled. Batista authorized some of his subordinates to deal with Castro and the rebels. The people of Cuba took to the streets, joyfully greeting the rebels. Little did the people now that Castro was a communist and that change was going to happen.
The revolution in Cuba was a disaster, especially for the Cuban people. There