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Cuban Revolution

Historical event

About

The Cuban Revolution was a pivotal socio-political upheaval that culminated in 1959, overthrowing the authoritarian regime of Fulgencio Batista. Led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, the revolution aimed to address economic inequality and political repression. Castro's rise began with a failed attack on the Moncada barracks in 1953, but he returned to Cuba in 1956 to lead a guerrilla campaign against Batista's forces. The revolution ended with Batista's flight, marking the beginning of a socialist government. The Cuban Revolution significantly influenced Cold War dynamics by aligning Cuba with the Soviet Union, challenging U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Castro implemented land reforms and nationalized industries, but these changes also led to economic challenges and a U.S. embargo. The revolution inspired similar movements across Latin America and highlighted the geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, notably during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Its legacy remains complex, with ongoing debates about political freedoms and economic stability.